LenKowitz.com

The Weekend Hunting Trip

2012-01-24T08:31:00.003-06:00

I was fortunate to be invited to spend the weekend at a hunting camp in Mississippi.
The camp is located on Point Jackson just West of Woodville Mississippi and has about
7000 acers, part owned and part leased. We spent a lot of time in the woods looking for deer.
The rut was essentially over and the weather was too warm for the animals to be moving around much but we did see a fair number of them.
We where on the move too much to do much photographing but this one from Saturday morning convinces me that there is a lot of work to be done at there.

The Old Black Kitty

2012-01-18T15:52:00.002-06:00

This old baby has been gone for sometime now. She was the a wonderful pet and the first cat that lived over 20 years. It was probably not a good idea to let her go that long, at the end she was very uncomfortable. Lesson learned, they get to a point where they just aren't thriving and it's clear to me that it's best to help ease their pain. It is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
The print is from a negative that has given me fits for a long time. I've only recently been able to make a print I like.

Memorial Park, January 2012

2012-01-06T09:17:00.002-06:00

A couple more from yesterday's short walk in the park.

Memorial Park, January 2012

2012-01-05T11:18:00.002-06:00

It's sad but true, the Park is not going to be the same for a long time.

More of the "Mule Ears"...

2011-11-28T20:17:00.002-06:00

A couple more from the stop at Mule Ears in October and one taken on November 4 in the middle of the Detroit River on Grosse Ile. Actually not right in the middle of the river, sort of toward the left bank. The light this time of year is really lovely in Michigan.

From a prior visit to the Bend...

2011-11-25T13:02:00.002-06:00

From a visit a couple of years ago.
The location and the time of day was actually recommended by David Caton. I really should give him a check, because it's the first print to be bought by a stranger.

Big Bend National Park 102011

2011-11-24T07:05:00.007-06:00

Just inside the West entrabce to the Park.

When "the Man" says "Dropdead Gorgeous", I should listen!

2011-11-16T08:19:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to Earl for the high praise. It's really appreciated.

More from Big Bend...

2011-11-15T15:35:00.003-06:00

A few more from Big Bend

2011-11-08T14:53:00.002-06:00

Big Bend at Holloween

2011-11-02T09:03:00.003-06:00

It was nice to spend time with David and Bill and the other folks that where there.
The Big Bend is a magical place and I see something new every time I go.
I'll post some more as I get them where I want them.
By the way, I was told that they aren't mules, they are burros.

A little night work...

2011-10-30T19:35:00.002-06:00

There is plenty of work to do if you just go look for it. Once again I learn the meaning of "The Magic Hour". The light was devine 30 minutes AFTER sunset.

In Study Butte and the Big Bend

2011-10-30T15:02:00.003-06:00

Some people would call them "over worked", Bill Zaner calls it "artistic license".
I'm here with a nice group of people and beautiful weather.

The Study Butte picture was taken just before sunrise out side my door. After a rather short night I wasn't up for much running around this morning but I did manage a few pictures. I know the Castolon picture is posted twice.

Bill Zaner in his Studio

2011-10-27T09:20:00.004-05:00

Last month on the way to the Shooting West Texas symposium at Sul Ross University I stopped in Boerne and had lunch with Bill. We sat in his studio and ate beans and corn and talked about making pictures.
Bill has been David Caton's first teacher and mentor for many years. He has a very realistic attitude about his work, he just does it. Something I need to learn. I'm off to Big Bend National Park to spend a few days with Bill and David and a couple of cameras.
We'll see what happens.

The Lunch Break

2011-10-26T15:56:00.004-05:00

North of Alpine on Hwy 118 toward Fort Davis.
September 16 2011
These fellows where just starting to attack the problem which was much bigger than they where.

Let's go back to the Bend!

2011-10-06T09:41:00.003-05:00

The weather has cooled off and thoughts begin to return to being out doors. There's no better place to do that than FAR West Texas. I've been invited to join David and Bill on the next expedition. I won't miss it, thanks guys.

Shooting Cotton in Waterproof Louisiana

2011-10-04T10:31:00.002-05:00

Shooting West Texas

2011-09-18T07:07:00.003-05:00

Approaching storm

Soft Pink Cloud

North on Highway 118 from Alpine to Fort Davis

This has been a good trip.

I showed the Ode to O'Keeffe series to a few people and got some positive reactions.

Saw some old friends and made some new friends.

Looked at some good work and had time to enjoy this beautiful country.

Alpine Texas in the rain...

2011-09-15T08:32:00.001-05:00

Dinner on Hywy 67 South

Sul Ross in the rain

It was a drive to remember...

2011-08-20T20:45:00.004-05:00

In ten days the total milage came to 3181. It's no wonder most of the pictures where taken at 70 mph.
I'm looking forward to my own bed for a change.

Vicksburg Mississippi

2011-08-18T20:16:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure why I find the Vicksburg Battlefield so interesting. It is an amazing place to visit.

Leaving Myrtle Beach...

2011-08-17T15:57:00.001-05:00

Heading North on Highway 501 toward Florence SC and Interstate 20.

A lovely morning on Myrtle Beach...

2011-08-16T10:12:00.001-05:00

Click on the picture to see a larger version.

Pawley's Island South Carolina

2011-08-15T21:09:00.004-05:00

When you're in Pawley's Island don't miss Hog Heaven Bar-B-Que.

The ribs where the best I have ever eaten.

The cat nap

2011-08-15T14:26:00.002-05:00

Charleston South Carolina

2011-08-14T19:28:00.003-05:00

The bridge across one end of Charleston harbor. It's a beauty.

Facial reconstruction of the crew of the CSA submarine Hunley. The first submarine to successfully attack an "enemy" ship. No too successful, seeing that it was lost at sea with all hands. This is the third crew to man the vessel, the first two crews drowned in training accidents. These men where very brave and courageous warriors.

If you are in Charleston don't miss the opportunity to visit the exhibit.

Florence South Carolina...

2011-08-13T18:36:00.003-05:00

This morning on the way to Myrtle Beach.
Sam Abel says, "Don't photograph the sunrise, photograph what the light is reflecting off of."
I should learn to take Sam's advice, but at the time this was the only option.

I almost forgot...

2011-08-12T16:35:00.003-05:00

Those white spots and streaks are RAIN!!!
I wish I could take it home.

On the road to Myrtle Beach...

2011-08-11T06:53:00.001-05:00

Interstate 10 East to the Mississippi River.

If you know of two of these...

2011-08-07T11:10:00.002-05:00

Cathy and I where lucky enough to find two of these Windsor chairs the other day.
We need to find two more. If you can help, please let me know.

Yesterday Morning...

2011-07-22T16:03:00.004-05:00

It's too hot to be out doors as well as a mild sun burn, so working on these pictures seems like useful activity.

Morning on the Gulf...

2011-07-21T10:12:00.004-05:00

It's easy to understand why people love to come to Galveston during the summer. The mornings and the evenings are delightful.

When you travel with a 5 year old Paleontologist...

2011-07-20T13:01:00.006-05:00

...you see some pretty amazing things.

Last night was delightful...

2011-07-20T08:25:00.002-05:00

Cool breeze off the water helps me understand the appeal of a beach house in Galveston.

Nice rain here in Galveston this morning...

2011-07-19T17:48:00.006-05:00

Fortunately we had a good excuse to be in doors. We saw it all and finished off the trip with lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe.
The sky has cleared and it looks like there might be an opportunity for pictures this evening.

Looks like Galveston is going to get wet...

2011-07-19T08:44:00.004-05:00

We are in for a day of rain. I wish I could take it back to Memorial City.

We're off to Moody Gardens.

Not the most visited spot in Texas...

2011-07-13T11:32:00.004-05:00

Cathy wanted to see US-90 in South Texas and I think she got a real good look at an amazing part of the World.
Try this place in July with no air conditioning...the Judge was one tough cookie.
Actually the Pecos River would be almost dry if it weren't for the back wash from the Amistad Reservoir.

This picture might not get a warm reception from the subject...

2011-07-10T13:09:00.003-05:00

It was Sunday morning and we where staying with Jeff and Laurel. They have a wonderful home and we enjoyed being with them very much.
I'm not sure "She who must be obeyed" will appreciate this post. I think she looks pretty good and she's been a real savior to me.

It's still a drive I love to take...

2011-07-10T13:06:00.002-05:00

For all my complaining about Santa Fe being a small town I still love to drive there and spend time hanging out there.

The recent drive to the High Desert...

2011-07-09T10:17:00.005-05:00

This is exactly what we where looking for, a place completely different than Houston.
The weather was pleasant and we had a very nice trip.
On the other hand, the more I go to Santa Fe the less I'm convinced that I'd have an interest in living there. In many respects it's a very small town and I'm a "city boy" at heart.
Don't get me wrong, I love going there and the country side is magnificent, I'm sure there is a lot of photography to done there. I'm really most at home in Houston.

This is quickly becoming a replay...

2011-07-01T10:49:00.005-05:00

...of the "Ransom of Red Chief".
We discovered last night that the new kitty is in fact a little girl. The new name still has not been decided. The "Others" have yet to meet this young lady and it will probably be a while before we introduce her. We been down the road of early introductions and I think we're still paying the price in terms of hostility between the two older girls.
Funny how we anthropomorphize them to such a degree. It makes me wonder who has actually domesticated who?

The latest addition to the Pebblebrook private zoo...

2011-06-30T07:21:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure what came over us the other night as we dropped Lucy off at the "Home" but this is what we have wound up with.
As yet unnamed and very busy.
It remains to be seen what the others think of this one. It's going to take sometime to return us to a "happy home" or, Casa de Lost Gatos.

Santuario de Chimayo

2011-06-26T16:37:00.006-05:00

This might be the reason for my fascination with the road side memorials. I've been to the Santuario de Chimayo several times and this last visit was one of the best. While I'm not the least bit the religious type I find that I'm easily engaged by religious shrines of all types.
Every time I've stopped at the Santuario there is a new addition. Clearly this is a very active congregation.
It is interesting to me that in the "gift shop" there are no "bargain" items for the faithful. The holy men of the church are as good at bringing in the "almighty" as they are at serving the "Almighty".

Human suffering is everywhere...

2011-06-25T17:37:00.007-05:00

Driving across New Mexico I thought that while people drive past these memorials every day
how many of us really notice them. The people that put them on the side of the road are really hurting over the lost of their family members.

More "On the Road"...

2011-06-21T13:45:00.007-05:00

These pictures aren't in any particular order, it's just the way they happened to be in the jpeg file.
By the way, Highway 285 is a great drive across the high desert.

Here we are in Del Rio Texas...

2011-06-18T16:48:00.002-05:00

We made the drive from Houston to Del Rio and now we're headed on to Roswell New Mexico.
I'll report on any abduction activity when they let me come back to earth.

Papa's Revenge...

2011-05-30T15:11:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-29T10:37:00.003-05:00

Old Fashion Fun
While Mom and Dad are off on a Luxury Vacation, albeit a short one, Papa and Ninney get to babysit.

It's here before you know it...another one

2011-05-02T14:18:00.004-05:00

We had a great trip to Dallas with K and the boys. Her new car is a very nice ride, even in the back seat with a 5 year old.
J and L had a very nice party and they have really made the new house look terrific.
Many thanks to Bill Dane for showing me a new way to look at the world.
You can see some of his work here...http://billdane.com
It's always nice to have another one.

Fat boy at Garner State Park...

2011-04-20T09:03:00.003-05:00

Words can't describe how wonderful I feel about this picture...what a specimen .

The short trip to Garner State Park...

2011-04-16T11:34:00.004-05:00

I'm told that Garner State Park is the park with the most overnight visitors of all the Texas State Parks. Which means that the way to visit the park is to arrive on Tuesday and leave no later than early Friday morning.
There where very few campers there this past week and I was able to get a good look at the park, climb one of the "peaks", it's actually just a hill, and hike some of the trails with out running into anything more than a herd of goats.
It's beautiful piece of Texas, if you have never seen it, by all means go and spend a couple of nights. Word is the cabins will be ready in May 2012.

Garner State Park

2011-04-16T07:59:00.003-05:00

I was thinking that I'd find the Frio River much the same way that it was when I last saw it.
Guess again wasicu, "you can't step in the same river twice".
The drought is taking a terrible tole on the Hill Country.
My friend David says he can't remember measurable rain in Utopia since August 2010.

Texas in the Spring is a beautiful place...

2011-04-03T16:48:00.006-05:00

It was a short trip but a very good one.
My daughter organized a camping trip with six families to Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Two nights and a little hiking along the Paulxy river.
We're back in Houston and everyone had a wonderful time.

We may be heading back to the Grand Canyon...

2011-03-28T14:38:00.005-06:00

It's funny how the thought of another trip to the Grand Canyon has gotten me thinking about the last one.
I've been thinking I needed to look at the pictures I took last year to see if there's anything that I feel needs to be printed and sure enough I found a couple.
After almost 9 months in the box I'm seeing this work in a whole new way.

Recent blk&wht work...

2011-03-11T09:20:00.003-06:00

The "new" studio setup seems to be workable.
I'm pleased with the negatives that I'm able to make using the PMK pyro from the Formulary.
I think I've about exhausted the few subjects that I have on hand so I'm thinking I need to find something else to experiment on.

Saturday night, Pigs go to town...

2011-03-01T07:51:00.003-06:00

Mom and Dad had gone to a retirement party and Ninney was on a girls weekend trip in Galveston.
Papa and the boys had the house to themselves and a good time was had by all.
After dinner we played "Name that Dinosaur" and took baths. After some of us had gotten ready for bed we made group photos, ate ice cream, watched some TV and finally fell a sleep.

Let's not forget February 23, 1945...

2011-02-23T10:57:00.003-06:00

Here's a little history of the island of Iwo Jima.
The Museum of Fine Art, Houston actually has what is thought to be the first copy of the photograph that Joe Rosenthal took that day of the flag raising.
I was fortunate enough to get a xerox copy of the photograph and will be glad to show it to you any time you want to stop by.
Just give me a call before you come over.
Semper Fi and god bless the United States Marine Corps.

She really is as sweet as she looks...

2011-02-14T07:24:00.004-06:00

We where in New York City on a boondoogle paid for by Drexel Burnham. We had a lovely, large hotel room and where enjoying the time alone together.
She is truly a wonderful woman and I'm lucky to have convinced her that I'm a guy she can spend the rest of her life with. A more kind and thoughtful person would be very hard to find.
It's been a great 27 years thanks in large part to her willingness to put up with me.
Thank you Cathy.
I love you!

It was some time ago...

2011-02-13T09:41:00.003-06:00

...that I stood on the corner of Post Oak and Westheimer and took this picture
of the saKOWITZ store just before it was torn down.
Houston is a great place to watch the constant of change.
I don't think there are many places in the country that are less sentimental than Houston Texas.
The people who make it happen around here are not content with stasis. That's not all bad but it's very hard on the landmarks.

A recent "wildlife" study...

2011-02-01T10:18:00.002-06:00

"Shadows are the footprints of light"...sounds profound enough, but it's just a gimmick to use in trying to market your work to the naive and unsophisticated.

Finally a little silver work...

2011-01-20T12:36:00.004-06:00

This past Monday evening I joined with a group of folks at Joe Aker's home to initiate a new group to talk about and show our photographs.
I'm sure you will hear more about this as time goes on.
Cathy has been on my case, as much as Cathy ever gets on my case, about getting out more and spending time with others. I think she's afraid that I'll go nuts if I just hang around the studio.
She's probably right, so when Joe invited me to join this new group it sounded like a great idea.
I've never thought of myself as a very competitive person but Monday night opened a door for me. I had no more than gotten home when I decided to get back to work on the series, "Ode to O'Keeffe" and show the group the prints. I'm one of the first presenters.
You can be sure that I'll have something to say when I get back on Monday February 7th.
Stay tuned.

Two little girls...taken a long time ago.

2011-01-12T16:25:00.002-06:00

I think the darkroom is calling me back. You'd think that I've had enough frustration trying to pull a decent print from an under/over exposed negative but I'm not done with it yet.
These two where best buds long before they had babies of their own.
I need a change from the inkjet madness for a little while.

The 75th annual Cotton Bowl Classic

2011-01-09T07:57:00.005-06:00

We had a great time at the Cotton Bowl. Although the LSU fans had the most fun the Aggies where not to be out done in their enjoyment of the occasion.
As a result of my first trip to a bowl game I have to ask myself the question, "Did my kids learn anything in college besides how to have fun with canned beer?"
The Dallas Cowboys Stadium ( aka "The Death Star") is amazing. It's very user friendly and a wonderful place to watch a football game, no matter where you sit.
Parking was a breeze and we had no problem with traffic.

1.1.11

2011-01-01T10:00:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year to all!

And here's a new way to look at some of my work.
Len Kowitz, click on my name and it will take to my Flickr page.
Thanks to Lou, who gave me the kick in the butt that I need to complete the job I started in 2005.
I'll add work as I get it in a form that I like.
This picture is of Lake Superior.

In between the "Before and After"...

2010-12-26T13:05:00.007-06:00

In between a lot has to happen to get you to the meal.
Cathy did a terrific job this year and we ate like we where actually hungry.

Before and After...

2010-12-26T10:59:00.004-06:00

With all the beautiful pictures of lovely, perfectly cooked, golden, turkeys how about the real thing as it's happening?
Next year we're going to try for the people actually eating the bird, realizing that one way to get in serious trouble is to take pictures of ladies putting food in their mouths.
After you finish this wonderful repast you could always try spending a week at the spa. That might help you over come your guilt from eating more food than you actually need.

Santa Claus is coming...

2010-12-23T08:22:00.003-06:00

A little "Light Painting" early in the morning...
Merry Christmas everyone!

Morning Light...

2010-12-15T13:49:00.002-06:00

I was at the intersection of Memorial City Way and I-10 trying to learn the new panorama head when I turned around and saw the light on the trees and the Cemex building.
Cathy's first reaction was not positive but when I explained that I really had done anything to change the color of the things in the picture I think she began to see how the morning light reflecting off the glass of the building makes for an unusual looking picture.

December 7th was a big day in my life...

2010-12-07T13:10:00.004-06:00

Not only did we get invited to enter World War II, it is the birthday of the woman who made me what I am today. E.I. rather spoiled and extremely self indulgent.
No one knows for sure how old she actually was. She lied about her age so often that she even forgot the actual date. My best estimate is that she was born about 1907.
That's counting backward from the birth date of her first child, which was 1923, and we think she was 16 years old at the time of the birth. She became a grandmother at the age of 35 and died at the age of 89.
Married twice and had three children. Two that we know of by the first husband and the third by a lover. At least that's the way it looks from the picture of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Men's bowling league.
She raised me until I was almost 4 years old and lavished large amounts of attention on "Little Lenny".
She was, for a brief period, a "bag lady" for the neighborhood numbers operation in Detroit Michigan and taught me how to cuss. She made a great apple pie and oyster stew.
She was good to me and I'm here to tell you that being spoiled early in life has serious long term implications.

Waiting for the boys...

2010-12-04T12:59:00.002-06:00

We are rapidly moving toward Christmas as the frenzy begins to build.
I think the best thing for me to do is try and stay busy with some productive activity.
I should get on the road and shot more of this kind or thing. It's Houston and our lives are bounded by freeways. To my knowledge no body is doing this work.

It was too cold for me...

2010-12-03T15:10:00.003-06:00

We went to Galveston to have a little seafood and see the light show at Moody Gardens.
It was a pleasant enough evening, unfortunately I wasn't dressed for the weather. I'm a surprised that I've become to sensitive to the cold after years of working out doors in the winter time in Michigan. Just another one of the hazards of aging.

Preview of things to come...

2010-11-30T14:47:00.003-06:00

It's Cathy's Collection, Christmas 2010.
The new new printer is up and running and in fact, banged out 30 prints this morning.
Epson really does make great products.

The morning after...

2010-11-27T06:58:00.003-06:00

Around here the competition is always Pecan Pie.
I'll admit that I'm a big fan of the Wonderful Nut, any way it comes. I remind myself that this is not "Apple country". You can't drive 50 miles to the cider mill where you get hot, fresh donuts and fresh pressed apple cider. So people around these parts don't think of apple pie as a staple.
All in all I feel pretty good about mine, it was a hit and in fairness there is about as much left of the pecan pie.

What is a person to do when they wake up at 4AM on Thanksgiving Day?

2010-11-25T11:01:00.002-06:00

I got up and read the "paper" and then I made this apple pie.
I'm ready to try it, but I've been told to "wait", what for I have no idea.

Wouldn't you rather be in Montana right now?

2010-11-24T10:55:00.003-06:00

You might want to check the weather before you head North.
A heavy coat might be a good idea this time of year.

He's still earning his keep...

2010-11-17T11:17:00.003-06:00

Despite the loss of a "Fang" recently and being something in the neighborhood of 16 years old, Sylvester still loves the thrill of the hunt. Even more than the hunt what he really loves is the catch.
He would not let either me or Phoebe get near the latest prize, although we tried.
As we stood there and watched him, he promptly ATE the mouse.
How could anyone not love a cat like Sylvester?

Was that someone at the door?

2010-11-16T15:27:00.002-06:00

It was a Dove making an exit into what it thought was clear blue sky.
Unfortunately it was the glass of the back door.
No reported injuries or lifeless bodies.

A new picture from the trip to Alpine...

2010-11-12T16:24:00.002-06:00

One morning in Alpine I found myself up early and waiting to go to Sul Ross for the start of the"Shooting West Texas" symposium.
Rather than sit on my butt, I got in the car and headed to Ft. Davis.
I happened to be just North of Alpine as the sun was coming up so I stopped to look around.
I learned something from that experience that I hope will stay with me from now on.
1. Get out of bed and on the road before sun rise.
2. Stop and get out the camera, don't try to make pictures while you're going 70 miles an hour.

With thanks to Earl and Brandon...

2010-11-04T08:40:00.005-06:00

Earl Nottingham and Brandon Jakobeit suggested that we take a short drive out of Alpine to see if we could find a "sunset" picture. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
This is all I came up with, rather generic and predictable, but it was fun to see what the 4880 would produce.
Regardless of the photographic outcome, the trip to Alpine and Sul Ross University for the "Shooting West Texas" symposium was well worth the time and expense.
Check out Wyman Meinzer's newest book, "Under one fence". Available at Sylinda's website.

The people who live in West Texas are different than you and me, they live in West Texas and they love it.
In my experience they are a very open and friendly group of people and have no trouble welcoming strangers. I met new friends who share my love of the photographic medium and are pursuing it with passion and commitment. The trip turned out to be a very good way to spend a weekend.

From the trip to the Big Bend in August...

2010-10-26T12:19:00.003-05:00

While it was too hot to really get out and hike the trails in August, while driving the Ross Maxwell it occurred to me that there is a great deal of opportunity to photograph the unusual landscape to the Big Bend during the day light hours.
It is great to wait to the light to be that perfect glowing wonderfulness that you can only get just before sunrise and sunset, there' lots of work to be done during "normal business hours".
I'm ready to be there.
But first, a trip to Michigan for Mom's 87th. birthday.

Worth reading again...

2010-10-24T09:40:00.002-05:00

"Leaving aside the mysteries and inequities of human talent, brains, taste, and reputations, the matter of art in photography may come down to this; it is the capture and projection of the delights of seeing; it is the defining of observation full and felt. Walker Evans

Looking at "Leaving the Basin"...

2010-10-22T11:23:00.004-05:00

The picture is the first larger print with the new Epson 4880. The print leaves a lot to be desired.
I think I can correct the problems with a different approach to making the files I used to print from, but I'm impressed with 4880. It's fun to make larger prints, this one is 15x45 and convinces me that a print that size makes an impact on the wall. As my friend David is fond of saying, "if you can't make it good, make it big." He's right about that.
Now the trick is make a "good" one. Should be fun trying, I'm looking forward to it.

I'm having trouble "believing" in the change...

2010-10-20T08:20:00.003-05:00

I wonder where I lost my belief? Could it be the behavior of the " Dear Leader"?

Did I say something about "sharp" pictures?

2010-10-15T13:59:00.003-05:00

Falling back on my lessons in Photography from David Vestal, does sharp really matter?
I don't think it's always the only criterion for a picture that you might like.

This evening on the patio...

2010-10-12T19:10:00.003-05:00

This fellow showed up and held still for a portrait.
He's not a coyote or a bobcat but wildlife all the same.
And frankly all I had to do was walk out the back door to take his picture, while I was making dinner.

It was a nice day in the country...

2010-10-12T19:05:00.003-05:00

Sunday morning, Cathy and I picked up Lucy and drove to the Antique Rose Emporium and then on to Round Top. We had a picnic on the town square with sandwiches from the local grocery store.
We made the rounds of the galleries and then took the long way home.
Maybe at long last I'm beginning to appreciate the values of the camera.
Judging from the photograph I've learned something about making sharp, clear pictures.

No telling what happened at the workshop...

2010-10-09T13:08:00.003-05:00

I consulted on the Seasonal Decorations and talked with the neighbors, When I saw this fellow on the bench. I moved him to a more appropriate location and took his picture.
That's what happens when you watch photographers talk about their work.

Here's a link to Howard Schatz and another to Mary Calvert

http://www.howardschatz.com/portfolio.php?galleryID=12

http://maryfcalvert.com/

Watching the live feed of the Eddie Adams Workshop...

2010-10-09T11:30:00.002-05:00

Clearly there was a problem during a presentation.
I think someone must have gotten ill during the Mary Calvert (sic) picture presentation.
http://www.barnstormworkshop.com/

The new printer is installed...

2010-10-09T07:58:00.004-05:00

Looking West on Hwy 187 at sunrise

The new Epson 4880 is up and running, the trick now, is for me to learn how to use it.
The recent trip to Sul Ross in Alpine renewed my spirit for West Texas and the "wide open" spaces. The contrast to my hometown is beyond my ability to describe.

Waiting for the new printer...

2010-10-06T09:59:00.003-05:00

Conway Frieght is supposed to be delivering the new Epson 4880 today.

I'm ready and willing although it's going to cost an arm and a leg. So in the mean time, I'll try out some black and white scans.

It seems like a year...since you've been gone!

2010-10-02T11:44:00.005-05:00

This guy might be the last of his kind around here. He's not here anymore!
I've been instructed to not catch any more kritters.
It seems that I'm not as much "One with Nature" as my better half. At least that's what I'm told.
This little fellow has been moved to the Audobon sanctuary off Memorial but his buddy is still living under the darkroom.
I've been without this computer for most of the past week and it really does seem like I've been without it for a year. It's a sad comment on my level of inactivity.

It would be nice if it where a little more obvious..

2010-09-23T12:10:00.003-05:00

...that it's actually Fall.

The only sure way to tell is to look at the calendar.

One thing I can be sure of. In a few months I'll be looking for warm weather again.

The trip to Sul Ross and Alpine Texas...

2010-09-21T07:16:00.006-05:00

Looking North on Hywy 118, going to Fort Davis

Looking South on Hywy 118

Interesting learning experience!

When you want to get Real, Honest, Helpful feedback on your work , show your pictures to a photo editor.

While they are always looking for new work, in my opinion they aren't about to let second class or undeveloped work get by with out pointing out that it's second class and or under developed.

In my opinion it's the best way to get an honest appraisal of what you're doing. I found the experience to be very helpful.

It's true that it might not be the most comfortable experience you can have, but if you listen closely to what's said and get over your ego, it can be very rewarding.

I have to add that the people at Sul Ross ( http://www.sulross.edu/) did an excellent job of organizing the weekend and the presenters did their part to make the time spent very rewarding.

Don't miss it!

2010-09-20T07:13:00.002-05:00

If Sul Ross is able to sponsor this program again next year, BE THERE!!!

http://www.shootingwesttexas.org/

You will meet some wonderful people, you will see some wonderful photographs and you will generally have an excellent time in Alpine Texas.

In addition, if you pay attention you might learn a lot.
The portfolio reviews where thoughtful and informative.
The people where very friendly and engaging and I had a great time. It's well worth the trip.

There is still time...

2010-09-14T13:35:00.004-05:00

...for you to join me in Alpine Texas for the "Shooting West Texas" symposium at Sul Ross University.

http://www.shootingwesttexas.org/

I'm off early tomorrow morning and there is no deffinate return date as of right now.

If I'm lucky I'll get to throw in a side trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/

I'll check in when I get back to Houston.

Is the END getting close?

2010-09-11T14:46:00.002-05:00

In keeping with my contrary nature, I have for sometime been telling anyone who would listen that the "Market" is trying to make a bottom. I wish I knew at what level, but I am foolish enough to say, "somewhere around the 10,000 level on the Dow". I personally think we're there.
So here is a little evidence that I just might be on the right track.

http://www.businessinsider.com/12-places-to-go-if-the-world-goes-to-hell-2010-9#chiang-mai-1

It's an article that I came across on the web, "12 places to go if the World goes to Hell".
Almost as good as the cover of Time magazine telling us that there is no where for stocks to go but down.

Labor Day 2010

2010-09-06T10:03:00.005-05:00

The view from the porch

Pat and Mark

Katie and Mike

Yesterday afternoon Cathy and I went to Galveston to visit friends.

We met Katie and Mike at their home and spent time with them and Pat and Mark.

It was a lovely evening and we enjoyed everyone's company.

No particular reason...for this post.

2010-09-05T10:54:00.004-05:00

The Viet Nam Veteran's Memorial in Washington D.C. Taken on a trip to Washington in 2004.

Cpl. Leonard E. Hasselberg. Radio operator and waist gunner in a B-25 Michell bomber. Reported MIA in November 1944 somewhere in the Pacific Theater.

Captain Bill Lapore, Weapons System Officer in a Marine Corps fighter squadron and Top Gun instructor. Bill had two F-4's shot out from under him. I met him when we worked together in the brokerage business.

My neighbor sent me a link to a video about World War II verterans. The story line is that we should never forget what these men and women have done for us. Some of us have daily reminders of the price they paid.

September the 4th.

2010-08-31T10:11:00.002-05:00

According to Register.com on September the 4th. my website http://www,lenkowitz.com will disappear.
If I agree to spend some more money with them then they will keep me around. Sounds like a form of blackmail to me.
The site that they have provided has not been the most useful. It's hard to update and the "custom" sites they provide are simplistic and almost silly in my opinion.
I'm going to have to resort to something more sophisticated and professionally developed in order to better show the world the work I'm doing.
Did I mention that I'm sceptical of the value of a website in the first place. How many of them are actually of any value to the "owner"?
For the time being the blog your looking at right now will be the forum for new work. Stay tuned, there will be a new site in time.

I'm almost ready to head back...

2010-08-27T14:38:00.009-05:00

On the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Santa Elena Canyon

Madrone tree at the entrance to the Basin

A group of trees in the Basin

The Big Bend is a magical place, I hope I never get tired of being there.