Today I had the pleasure of meeting many great people. While researching a story I met several Business Owners, a few European Tourists and the crew of a Train.
It started with a relaxing early morning drive up a winding mountain road. I find driving quite meditative. I met Tom … He owns and operates his own Train Line. When I talked to him I could tell he has a passion for what He does. It is very impressive what He and His family have accomplished, taking a Train Line that did not operate for the better part of a century and they breathed new life into it. We all can learn much from their vision and their determination to achieve their goals. His pride and joy is a pristine Steam Engine that is used on almost a daily basis. I find that amazing!
Then I met Ed the Engineer. With 33 years experience on Steam Engines he has lived a life doing what he loves. This should be a lesson to all of us! Do what you love and make life a priority. It is so easy to get caught up in the struggle of day to day life that we forget “Life is for Living”. This of course is easier said than done that is defiantly true. I had the pleasure of riding with him in the cab of the engine for the trip down the mountain and back. Listening to his stories and tales of his life on the rails was truly inspiring. I for one would love to have a book of stories and tales.
Also there were happy European tourists, a proud Hotel Owner and so many friendly people.
Days like today are invigorating. We all need days like this day to stay excite about the life we have been given. I feel so privileged to have a life that gives me the opportunity to meet interesting people and do interesting things. My old job kept me at a desk in an office with a window looking into a dingy shop full of people that were very unhappy doing what they do.
Take Stock of your Life; Make a Plan for the Future.
When you need inspiration .. Find an inspiring person and spend some time with them.
This time of year we see them pass through our town in all types of conveyances. Their destination is a magical place in the dust. Trucks, Vans, Trailers and motor homes. The one commonality they have is bicycles .. bungee corded to there vehicles . They of course are going to Burning Man. A magical place 100 miles away in distance but a world away in reality.
They go to lose themselves and find their friends. This is a life changing experience for most. The Freedom to be yourself. The non judgmental attitude of the others.
I for one watch them pass through stopping for supplies and such. I know I will be one of then one day but for now I watch them and talk to them. They pass through on their way very excited to see their friends and feel there freedom.
The next time I see them pass through my town the difference in extreme. The first thing you see is the dust! Covering their vehicles, possessions and themselves. You can see the reluctance in their faces. The reluctance to return to the REAL WORLD. I like to watch them white with Playa Dust on their return and wonder what it will be like when it is I covered in Playa Dust.
Today I watch. Next year I will be one, a virgin I am told.
To all my burner Friends “Have Fun”
Working in the small world has always fascinated me. This world is seen but seldom truly experienced. Take a look at the insect world.
This image was taken in my back yard in full day light. A 100mm Macro lens with Extension Tubes and a Flash set at a low setting on a Digital SLR, Hand Held.The real trick shooting this way is Focusing. What I do is to manually focus to the shortest distance and fine tune the focus by moving closer or farther from the subject. This is very hard to do when your subject is moving in an erratic manor and able to hurt you if they want. If your subject is stationary you will have more options.
For this shot I used a 100mm Macro Lens on a DSLR Camera on a Tripod with Studio Lighting.
I was able to use continuous lighting and a long exposure. The long exposure enabled me to use a small aperture and a greater depth of field. This is something i could not do with the insect photo and the difference in the depth of field is clearly evident.Next time you go out to shoot for fun set your camera up for Macro and just shoot small, you will be surprised with the outcome.Think big .. Shoot small
Thanks for taking a look at my first blog.