The Geese

This is one of my favorite pictures. I shot it in our backyard several years ago. We were living out in the country,
one of the best places I have ever lived. There was a pond a stone's throw from the back deck.

One Sunday afternoon these Canada Geese stopped in for a visit. We were watching a movie and heard their honking. Grabbed a long lens and went out the door. It was raining, not sure if the rain brought them down, or just time for a break.

Deborah and I watched them for over an hour. I had shot a bunch of pictures, but this was the one I was waiting for. These guys honking and flapping as they prepared to launch is so awesome. I hear them every time I look at this picture.

When you know a photo is coming, take the time to wait for it. I have folks tell me all the time about photos they didn't take time to get. So many wonderful memories looking at this photo, but no idea what the movie was we left to watch the geese.

So Nice

Sometimes things just work so nice.

I had to photograph Robert Church in Fort Valley two weeks ago. Went to his home
with no idea for a picture. He is a very interesting man, who has lived 97 years on this earth. I had met him before, photographed him during the Fort Valley 150th Birthday Celebration. He was demonstrating old farm equipment.

After talking to Jake Jacobs, the writer doing the story, I thought I would shoot a nice portrait of Mr. Church, and pull one of the other pictures to run with it. When I got to his home, we talked and he showed me through the house. This room is an art gallery he built for his late wife Ruby's paintings.

I knew this was the location for the picture. Shot some from the other direction with my lights, then turned him around and used this really nice window light. He sat down and I shot this photo.

So often easy is so much better than complicated.