Outdoor Warrior

I have done much writing, but very little specifically for publication, i.e. for publication beyond a single university and affiliated or associated institutions.  Project reports, research interim and final reports, faculty senate minutes and reports, a master’s thesis and college papers for both my undergraduate and graduate work comprise most of my writing experience.  I have also done some writing and editing of definitions and descriptions of information technology (computer) and business terms; and I have corrected hundreds, if not thousands, of students’ college papers, mostly on aeronautical or related subjects.

I often have wondered how my undergraduate work, and maybe career, would have been done, or worked out, differently if I had earned an online business degree, as opposed to a business degree from a traditional college.  But at the time, the late 1960s and early 1970s, computers occupied entire rooms!

Therefore, these are actually random thoughts and ideas on different types of writing, from a writer of limited experience, but open to adventuring out to different types of writing and exploring new ones – exactly what this website and series of articles is all about in all types of artistry.

Fiction or Non-Fiction?

Made-up or real, which do you prefer?  I prefer to write about reality and helping people learn from my triumphs and failures, wins and losses, life experiences and life disappointments.  It also appears to be very easy to write about myself; in fact, I have thought about writing an autobiography.  However, as a Christian I try to stay away from being too “self-absorbed.”  The world does not revolve about me; and I do not want others to believe I think it does.  I much prefer to write about people of inspiration, such as those who have helped me and famous historical figures such as Washington, Lincoln, Churchill, Jefferson and baseball sports inspirational players such as Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan, Babe Ruth, Carl Yastrzemski and Cal Ripken, Jr.

I have thought about writing fiction.  And have a vision of writing about what might happen in the future in light of my somewhat limited knowledge and understanding of Biblical prophecy, using what some might describe as an “overactive imagination.”  Have you every thought about what the world will be like when all human still have free will, but all sin and it effects are removed, God has a dwelling place here on Earth and angels and men and women, who are one with the Lord, freely move between heaven and earth to do His will?  A million stories, scenarios, experiences and adventures could be described.  Then after a thousand years, Satan, his demons and sin will be released once again and one last time – providing millions of additional ones.

Reporting or Commentary?

Reporting to me appears easy, as long as I am sure of the facts.  Commentary on the other hand, would be more work.  I have never been comfortable commenting on random subjects for sake of commentary, just to say or write something.  I believe there is too much meaningless dialog, idle chatter and inconsequential discussion in the world – at the expense of meaningful dialog, helpful conversation and consequential discussion.

Poetry or Prose

Poetry can say more in a few lines or sentences than many authors can write in an entire book.  From “Fog” by Carl Sandburg [check) to “If” by Rudyard Kipling to a little poem I memorized long ago from a framed version in my parent’s bedroom:

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December, a beautiful tune and sweet to remember.
I heard a bird sing in the dark of December, we’re closer to spring than we were in September.

(Author Unknown; if you know the author please comment below)

I do enjoy reading poetry.  I am not sure why I remember and have memorized this little verse, but I always liked it.  Maybe you will like it too!

Prose I write as I would speak.  Especially with the word processing software, I find writing very enjoyable; and it helps me to organize my thoughts.  And I find it especially rewarding when it helps others enjoy a more fulfilling life.  I have no doubt that my best Friend, the Lord Jesus, helps me; and anything good that I produce is from Him, not me.

As always, your questions and comments are most appreciated.  Again, thank you for reading!

You may be an amateur or a professional, but both should always think about creativity.  Anyone thinking about how to become an artist must think about creativity! Especially with digital photography, once you have the equipment, experimentation only costs you your time.  Admittedly, time is a an important and often a costly commodity; however, your competition will be creative, so you must be creative also.  Let’s explore some ways to do so.

The following is a list of ideas.  Try some and dismiss some, but do read through the whole list of bolded items.  It certainly is not a comprehensive list, but read through the described thoughts, ideas and examples of the unique results.  (Example graphics will be inserted when available.)

• Color vs. B&W

These are obvious alternatives, but have you ever tried combining both?  Emphasizing just one or two objects with a bright color in an otherwise B&W photograph may create a very unique appearance.

 

• Stop Fast Moving Objects

A fast shutter speed may require plenty of light, but unique special photographs may bc created as water is sprayed, as an eagle is landing or taking of, as a hummingbird is flying and wings appear, as a deer is running, as an accident is happening or as your friend crosses the finish line in a marathon or other race.

[Example graphic to be inserted here.]

• Allow Slow Moving Objects

A slow shutter speed does not always mean a poor blurred image.  Consider using a tripod, if you are using a shutter speed less than a 60^th or 80^th of a second.  This will assure that immovable objects are not blurred, but still allow: waterfalls to be smoothly blurred; vehicles to appear to be in motion; only a bird’s wings to be blurred; only a horse’s, or other animal’s or person’s, legs to be blurred; or a dog’s tail to appear in motion.

[Example graphic to be inserted here.]

• Short Depth of Field

Out of focus objects in the foreground, or more commonly in the background, often produce a more pleasing appearance and will emphasize your subject, while de-emphasizing or even eliminating foreground or background objects.

 

• Long Depth of Field

A small aperture in bright sunlight in a landscape shot may often produce a unique affect if you focus on a nearby object, assuring that object will  be in focus, as well as everything beyond it.

[Example graphic to be inserted here.]

• Greatly Reduced Exposure Almost Into the Sun

Unique light effects can be achieved, even if (during the split second the picture is taken) you really see nothing to photograph with the naked eye because the sun is just too bright, but experiment with this!  I have had a bird’s wings appear translucent, discovered a unique glow appear around a silhouette or had a bird (or other animal) appear in a unique pose (e.g., a mouse hanging from an eagles claws), which also was not evident to the photographer.

 

Study Camera Settings and Features

It is common for amateur, and some professional photographers, to overlook many of the settings and features of their equipment.  Learn how to use “manual” mode; experiment with selecting AF points (automatic focus points); study how to use time exposures; set different ISO speeds; select different white balance settings; select a different metering mode; and learn to use the self-timer operations.  These are but a few of the settings and features in a typical digital camera.  Take the time to study your camera manual.  It will be time extremely well spent and will supply you with even more “New Ideas In Photography.”

All comments, from amateurs and professionals, are most welcome and encouraged.  Thank you for reading!