Daniel Ruf

The Pledge

"Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction.  We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

                                   Ronald Reagan

Late in August Mike Houge and myself are going to put together a joint showing of our work for the Dickinson County Nature Center as a fund raising effort for the center and it's activities.  It will be a body of work that will celebrate the area landscape as well as local sites and recreation activities.

Back in 1996 a number of people and organizations of the area put forth an effort to fund the moving and restoration of a one room school house from another part of the county to a site near the center.  Our work for this show has given us unlimited access to the interior of this school and it has been a thrill to spend time inside.

The blog image was a reminder to me of how my classroom days began when I was a youngster when every morning my class would stand and recite the Pledge Of Allegiance.  It's a distant memory now, but was brought back to me as I prepared for this capture.

I'm glad that my advancing years have not wiped away all of my memory, yet.  While the flag is a beautiful symbol, it is so much more than that to me and, I hope, go all of us.  God bless America...this great land and its people.

Thanks for showing up at my site and take your family out to enjoy the Spring sites.

Sic 'em Bears!

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" and new book "Take What's Given" can be purchased online at-  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

http://500px.com/pigs4u

Candy

"Excellence is not a skill.  It's an attitude."

                                    Ralph Marston

To me doing close up photography is like eating candy...I just can't stop.  The image in last weeks post was taken after I had been frustrated with the days of Iowa winds and lack of tulip "portraits" from my garden.  I know, I could/should have figured away to work with the elements at hand, but my mind was set to a different tune.  I clipped a tulip, brought it into the house to get to work.

That same tulip found it's way to our kitchen counter, and fortunate for me, under a ceiling light by sheer fortune.  During the evening the light was on and there was a beautiful glow caused in the bottom of the tulip.  My attention was peaked and play began.  This story is so simple I've since shared it with my photo class participants and it goes like this. 

After the recognition of possiblity I looked for a background...it was a blue trash can, which I placed a couple of feet behind the flower in the kitchen sink.  (you got to use the props available!)  Being satisfied with the blog image at right I then started bringing out some of my wife's clothes...colored shirts, scarves, etc. to supplement as back drops.  It's a habit that my that my wife doesn't even question anymore. 

 
It doesn't have to be difficult...just fun!

Check out my friend Mike Houge's site, www.mikehouge.typepad.com to see the beautiful flower/close up work he's been up to.

Thanks for showing up at my site and take your family out to enjoy the Spring sites.

Sic 'em Bears!

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" and new book "Take What's Given" can be purchased online at-  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

http://500px.com/pigs4u

Do The Work

"Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intellegence...."

                                                    Sloan Wilson

My friend Mike ( www.mikehouge.typepad.com ) and myself took an extended road trip the other day when the weather turned absolutely gorgeous and found ourselves visiting a heritage rural setting in Worthington, Minnesota.  It's a fair drive from my place and Mike had the afternoon off and, of course, I'm just a loafing retired guy so it was a perfect fit for doing some photography. 

As with any of our road trips the discussion is mostly about photography and we often come back to the same comments regarding "work" ethic as it relates to success.  Mike's success as a business owner and my relative success in farming has taught us one thing that has been invaluable and that is work yields positives.  I stress this in my beginning photography classes as well since I view the participants as photographers wanting to improve.

In this day advertising would have us believe that success is based on the next camera, plug-in or software package (I'm as guilty as anyone) and that the only thing between the person and success is merely lifting the camera and pressing a button.

I thought a lot about this while I was going in and out of the wealth of beautifully restored buildings at this heritage site, thankful that people had gotten together to provide this preserve, and realized that the people I admire most as photographers (see list on right) are always working the learning curve to improve, which acts to raise the bar for the rest of us that follow.  Many of these photographers have blogs and post on a regular basis with not only incredible images, but comments and tips as well.  This would not happen if they weren't exercising their legs and shutter release finger on a regular basis as well as sitting at a computer processing volumes of work.

Don't feel sorry for them, or any of us that follow since we love what we do and that love takes around every bend in the road.  I've got several friends that are either beginning the photographic journey or are well on their way that, while they have jobs and family, still manage to take the precious free moments to their advantage with camera in hand.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to start a boycott of camera companies or software manufacturers, but I know that many of us (myself included) fail to make the time for learning and pushing our own learning curve and raising our own bar through WORK.

Sic 'em Bears.

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" and new book "Take What's Given" can be purchased online at-  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

http://500px.com/pigs4u

Refining

"I don't really have studios. I wander around, around people's attics, out in the fields, in cellars, anyplace 

I find that invites me."

Andrew Wyeth

A few days ago my good friend Mike Houge (www.mikehouge.typepad.com) joined me at a heritage site near his home that is a collection of farm home and outbuildings including a barn.  Up until now snow has been a fleeting memory this winter, so we've had to entertain ourselves with subjects that don't include drab backgrounds.  There were a couple of areas in this barn that solved those issues and we set up shop for a long afternoon of photography.

Even though we were in the same area of the barn at one point we both were occupied with different subjects and were either mumbling to ourselves or trading "pot shots" at one another.  At some point I realized, from the activity and mumbling, that we were each refining our approach or vision relating to our particular subject.  This got me to thinking about how much we both have changed our approach and creative vision over the years that we've know one another. It's my belief that a lot of this is an occurance of time spent with photography, or any medium of art for that matter, including sitting in front of a computer defining our own visual concept of a subject. 

In my work experience, whether it has been machining parts for a large company or dealing with the everyday demands of livestock farming, time and knowledge have determined the approach and results with respect to all my endeavors, even personal growth (the last being the one of most demand!)

The blog image resulted from an afternoon of excitement...first when I saw this cluster of horse collars and then when I began to invision the possible outcomes.  Image capture was with a Canon 5DII with processing taking place first in Nik HDR Efex Pro, then Adobe Photoshop CS5 and final developments coming with Nik Color Efex Pro 4 and Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Thank you all for making the stop at this blog site and I hope that you have gained some insite about the thrill of photography.  Please feel free to comment or ask any questions.

Sic 'em Baylor Bears!

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" and new book "Take What's Given" can be purchased online at-  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

http://500px.com/pigs4u

Taking A Breath

"Luck is the dividend of sweat.  The more you sweat, the luckier you get."

Ray Koch

There were times during the prep for the holidays that I didn't know if Christmas would ever come, but when it was over I wondered where it went so fast.  Either it's age (mine) or just the fact that the commercial side of the holidays is initiated far to early for the good of humanity.  Be that as it may I was finally able to get back to some shelved work.

The blog image comes from a capture in Northeast Iowa during the summer and appeared when I rounded a country corner along a gravel road...naturally!  First the mare and then soon the colt and the fun began.  Positioning, repositioning....mare moves....repositioning....colt moves....re-repositioning....colt behind mare....waiting.....colt rolling on ground....and on and on.  Finally the right time came and click.

While working on the final image I couldn't help smile about the adventure realizing once again that "it's all about the journey", with special thanks to my good friend Mike Houge for the reminder.

May all of you special friends of this blog have a prosperous new year and thank you for your continued interest.

A special congrats to the entire Baylor Football team for their fine finish with their victory in the Valero Alamo Bowl.  What a ride!  Now on to basketball.  SIC 'EM BEARS!

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" and new book "Take What's Given" can be purchased online at-  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

http://500px.com/pigs4u

Whew!

"What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives"

E.M. Forster

The "Through The Lens" exhibit reception went off without a hitch last night at Arts On Grand and now Mike Houge and myself can breath a sigh of relief.  There was a good crowd of people where we had the opportunity to meet with both new and old friends to discuss the body of work on the wall which was, if I say so myself, massive.  In fact, there was a hint of trepidation in the voice of the assistant when we hauled in the mountain of framed work that we had accumulated. 

As with any show, book or artist submission the showing becomes a measuring stick of accomplishments of the previous year and of the quality and growth of the work.  In my own mind a figurative stake is planted in the ground of the creative process as a marker for things to come in 2012.  It is a challenge, whether intentional or not, to move ahead, undergo new challenges and await the results and I look forward to the trails ahead.

The blog image was taken shortly after I had spent several weeks of printing and framing for the aforementioned showing.  I was tired of looking at white mat board, sick of putting frames together and eager to see if I still knew where the shutter release was located.  While standing in the dining room I began to see of hint of a glorious sunrise, threw gear in the truck and began driving for some location...any location that would offer a reflection.  I was so pale from basement dwelling with the printer that I HAD to have some color...in massive amounts.

It was given in boat loads!

As a side note the Baylor nation couldn't be prouder of its team and Robert Griffen III for bringing home the Heisman Trophy.  A  testiment to those that wait and achieve and finish strong.  Sic 'Em Bears.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a marvelous holiday season.

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" and new book "Take What's Given" can be purchased online at-  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

http://500px.com/pigs4u

It's Here!

"No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination."

Edward Hopper

No sooner had I posted the last blog when we were hit with a beautiful snow storm that covered Fall's remains with white.  It IS beginning to look more like Christmas and I'm one happy camper.

The blog image "Butler Brother's 2" is the second of what I hope will be a collection of images of Butler grain bin images...if they're not all dozed and buried before I can find enough.   Of course I'm not looking for just any grouping of bins as there has to be a bit of character involved which defines aspects of vanishing rural America.  The previous "original"  "Butler Brother's" is

Next week my friend Mike Houge and myself will hang a showing of our photography at Arts On Grand http://www.artsongrand.org/ located in Spencer, Iowa.  The public reception will be held on December 15, from 5 - 7 pm.  We both look forward to seeing and talking to all that attend.

Finally, a big shout out to Baylor Football and their #12 finish in the college standings and their bowl appearance at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.  Also my congrats to Robert Griffin III (RGIII) for his selection as one of the 5 Heisman Trophy finalist.  GO BEARS!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a marvelous holiday season.

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" and new book "Take What's Given" can be purchased online at-  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

http://500px.com/pigs4u

Sic 'em Bears!

I Just Love 'Em

"Forests, lakes, and rivers, clouds and wind, stars and flowers, stupendous glaciers and crystal snowflakes - every form of animate and inanimate existence, leaves its impress on the soul of man."

Orison Swett Marden

A trip to the north shore of Lake Superior with good friend Mike Houge meant a few days in unfamiliar, but beautiful landscapes far from the farm land and harvest activities of Iowa.  The days were filled with autumn colors, crashing waves and miles of clouds and I think I might have gotten record of a little of each.

One morning I found myself for a second time at Stony Point, a little patch of lake shore with slabs of rock that disappeared into the water without a whimper, with a mass of clouds moving across the sky.  Many shots later the morning rays of the sun began to poke through the thick mass of clouds and the race began.

The HDR image that I had hoped for was developing some artifacts that I didn't care for so I did a layer overlay and then painted one of the original lake surfaces in.  I followed with some work with "Tonal Contrast" in Nik Color Efex Complete as well as a mild vignette around the perimeter of the scene.

Sitting before this scene it was hard to imagine any other place that would be more comfortable or enchanting.  Early morning streaks of light through a blanket of clouds will just about do it for me on any given day.  These are our gifts to be opened with joy and treated with great care.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to comment on your favorite of this post.

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" can be purchased online at-

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

Crisp

 

"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring."

George Santayana

Last week brought the first frost of the Fall season and I had already staked out a field of scarlet colored Sumac that would be a first stop on the first frosty morning.  When the time came I was up with the early roosters and kneeling among the red flashes of leaves that were ladden with frost.  As the sun rose off the horizon I knew I had to work fast as I was already seeing the rising steam from fields indicating that the melting process was underway. 

As the end of the morning shoot was nearing I was packing up gear and getting ready to walk out of the field when I noticed a white leaf on the ground near where I was standing.  As I got closer I thought that a quick snap would preserve the moment, but, as I started becoming more serious, camera angle, shutter speeds and aperture settings became important.  The blazing colors that dominated my mind just minutes before faded as I looked at this beautiful still life....of still life...in an almost monochromatic state.  In this situation, unlike that of the pulsating reds of the Sumac leaves, the frost crystals became THE subject, becoming front and center to the composition.

Sometimes turning ones head will result in a better opportunity, but it takes changing ones mind to reach the desired result.  In this case I spent 95% of the morning fixated on the color red and 4% on the capture of frost.  Oh, and the final 1% of the time was the walking in and walking out...which, as my friend Mike Houge would say, is all part of the journey.

The season is changing, the geese are getting restless, the corn is turning to beige and the morning air is crisp with the hint of the winter to come.  Take advantage of these golden days to get out, absorb and reflect.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to comment on your favorite of this post.

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" can be purchased online at-

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V

Golden Mornings

"When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for you strength.  Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.  If you see no reason to give thanks, then the fault lies in yourself."

Tecumseh

The climate in Iowa has changed from one of hot, humid and cloudless days to the Iowa of deep pastel horizons dotted with puffy clouds.  In the last few days I've spent most of my time pointing the camera upward leaving small room for the Iowa landscapes with bucket loads of sky. The blog image was taken pre-sunrise at a farm that has become one of my favorite go to spots close to home.  As the morning progressed the sky filled with changing cloud patterns which kept me busy for several hours.

In a recent call to my friend Mike Houge (see the sidebar for a link to his blog) I quipped "When do we have too many landscape shots?"  In my case I feel the bag is never full...there's always room for one more.  It's something like wondering when is there too much chocolate!

The blog image was processed in Photoshop CS5 with the help of Nik HDR Efex software and touches with Nik Color Efex Complete. 

Some days are just for rejoicing...take the time for a deep cleansing breath.

Thank you for visiting and feel free to comment.

Go Baylor...the 2011 season begins tonight!

My book "Places I've Been, Things I've Seen" can be purchased online at-

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1868649

For more views of my work visit;

"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa  http://www.apieceofworkinc.com

Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, Minnesota   www.lanesboroarts.org

BetterPhoto.com   http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=251674&mp=V