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My Novembers are often a grind of writing and engraving, so pulling out the camera on Wednesday for a few moments was a welcome distraction. This image was taken at dusk, just minutes down the road from where we live. To me, it’s quite representative of this, “too-cold-for-fall-but-no-snow-so-it’s-not-quite-winter,” season we often experience about this time of year in this part of Minnesota.
I’m reminded of one of the reasons I love it here, but Mary Oliver said it better than I ever could in her essay Of Power and Time.
“Creative work needs solitude. It needs concentration, without interruptions. It needs the whole sky to fly in, and no eye watching until it comes to that certainty which it aspires to, but does not necessarily have at once. Privacy, then. A place apart—to pace, to chew pencils, to scribble and erase and scribble again.” (F 1.8 1/800, 100 ISO) #52weeksofphotos
Such a cool glimpse of the past! This image was taken last month just north of Evergreen, CO, near Elk Meadow Park. (F 1.8 1/1000, 100 ISO) #52weeksofphotos
So great to spend the afternoon rehearsing with my buddy Justin Zanchuk and his wonderful students!!
While in the Dallas area, I also had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Andy Trachsel and the UNT Wind Orchestra on a new work of mine, “And Sings the Tune Without the Words.” Andy and his students have been busy recording a bunch of grade 2 pieces for the upcoming GIA Publication Teaching Music Through Performance in Band Series (reimagined with video = very cool!) and since the cameras were up, we decided to record a session with my piece as well. While they had rehearsed it a few times prior to my arrival, it was purposely not polished, allowing for an authentic rehearsal session. We worked through the work phrase by phrase, exploring new ideas as we went, asking questions back and forth along the way. We’ll see what kind of footage we got (some of it may eventually be released!) but either way, it was a fabulous time! Many thanks to Andy and the UNT Wind Orchestra! #andsingsthetunewithoutthewords
I’m thoroughly enjoying my first residency since March of 2020. I’ve been experimenting with electronics during all my time at home, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to with everyone. Many thanks to Tanner Smith and the Wakeland High School Wind Symphony; your Midwest concert will be incredible!! Band directors, be sure to come check them out next month on Friday afternoon! #bluebonnetdrift
While Anna is admittedly in this image, Steph is really the subject. And it just might be my favorite picture of her I’ve taken to date, perfectly capturing the essence of how I always see her. (F 3.5, 1/640, 100 ISO) #52weeksofphotos
And just like that, Midwest is just around the corner. Come see me, Tyler, AND the newest addition to our booth - Kevin Day! Kevin is a wonderful composer and an even better person. (cliché but true!) Much more to say about specific performances in the upcoming days, but for now, mark your calendars to stop by our booth and catch up; I, for one, will need to practice my in-person conversation skills!
Posting an image every week is good for me; it forces me to keep up with editing the photos I’ve taken. Here’s an image taken last month while we were “leaf-peeping” near Colorado’s stunning Kenosha Pass! (F 4.5, 1/3200, 100 ISO) #52weeksofphotos
Oh, how I’ve missed this. Today was my first day in front of a band since the pandemic began. Thank you for letting me work with you and your fabulous students, Chris; ya’ll sounded great!!!
My falls used to be defined by long drives back and forth to Iowa to teach at Cornell College. When Anna came along, I knew that part of my life needed to slow down. These days, this is what September looks like, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. (F 9.0, 1/1600, 100 ISO) #52weeksofphotos
Now some of you will think posting another image of Anna is cheating, but hear me out!
I’m posting this one next because it’s timely. This past Thursday morning had some of the most beautiful light—light you only find in autumn. It was also our first heavy frost of the season. It felt like a great morning to take the camera out, so put my little subject in a warmer jacket and began the short drive to my parents’ house.
On the way, I thought about the composition I hoped to achieve. I wanted to use the sun to backlight Anna and my mom, and I knew my parents’ gray fence would provide the perfect neutral backdrop to add emphasis to said lighting. The slightly withered flower—clearly representative of the season—that ended up in the foreground wasn’t necessarily part of my plan. However, when Anna held it out I noticed it perfectly framed her face.
It’s an image that will always remind me of Anna’s morning drop-off routine and one that provides a glimpse of the special bond she shares with my mom. (F 2.8, 1/1000, 100 ISO) #52weeksofphotos
So photography has become a recent interest of mine. Interest might be an understatement, though, as I have really taken to the idea of telling a story through an image. I also love the way thinking about photography has informed my composing and vice versa.
After months of research, I finally purchased a camera—Sony A7C in case you are curious—and to hold myself accountable to learning and improving, plan to post one image a week. I’d like to make it a whole year. Thanks to @mikey.vandenberg, @anguyen901, @amyleigh_1902victorian, @joelvanderheyden, and others for the inspiration!
Without further ado, here is my first. I love taking images of people, so the first lens I bought besides the kit lens was a 135mm prime. This was taken this morning (F1.8, 1/160, 100 ISO). I love shooting wide open, and I think I was just able to get away with this shutter speed (2-year-olds move a lot!). Thanks for making it through a longish post by my standards, and I’ll add another next Saturday! #52weeksofphotos
A magical evening in every way! @watchhouseband @redrocksco
Sneak peak of @redrocksco yesterday morning. Excited for @watchhouseband tonight!
Aspen “peeping!”
Here is the window placement on the back wall where my desk will eventually sit. Going with a shed-style roof, so I think it’ll work! #L91studio
We only got half a day in due to rain, but I’m pleased with the progress! #L91studio
I love how Anna studies her big sister’s every move on the court. She also loves to cheer her on; sometimes a bit too loudly!
We were on the trail 30 minutes before sunrise this morning to climb Carlton Peak (8.5 miles, relative elevation of about 1,000 feet). It was stunning, despite the thick fog at the top. We didn’t see anyone else the entire hike. White shoes probably weren’t the best choice, though! 😂