I am convinced that anyone can learn something new. Back in high school, I had a weekend session on stop-motion photography, where we had to, essentially - create a cartoon. That was what people like to call "Back in the day". We did the stop motion using super-8 film. I made a basketball player and he did a layup. Was so cool to see the final result. Fast-forward some 250 years, and here we are with computers. I found out about this free software and a whole bunch of tutorial videos available in different places (primarily on youTube) and during the really cold winter months, I started to learn and experiment and imagine. You can find some of the creations I dreamt up here. I have learned that you need to have patience. Sometimes you can jump ahead, sometimes when you do you hit a wall, and need to go back to basics, or learn from others. But ultimately if you want to learn - it is possible.
I will add that I've not only learned a ton about computer animation and modelling, but my projects have prompted me to go back and do a bunch of review on Astrophysics, Cosmology and Quantum Theory. Fear not however - if you are not into sci-fi, scroll down and see Elmer and Squeek (I plan to someday go back and make them come alive).
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For the first time in over 20 years, I was finally able to take some time away from work and do a "me" thing. Actually, it was a bucket list thing to be honest. Two years ago, I booked a cruise on a small boat to tour the inside passage of Alaska. Unfortunately, COVID came along and kicked my plans down the road a little bit. I was blessed to have booked with a wonderful group who agreed to push out my trip for me. Finally, this year rolled around and I was able to go. It was 8 days of disconnected, sheer pleasure. There was not one element of the trip that wasn't spectacular. Thanks so much to the folks at Northwest Navigation, John and Al for showing me something that is beyond describable. The pictures (many more posted on this site in my "Alaska" page don't even come close to how magical the experience was. I am still sorting and adding pics when I have the time. I recommend this trip to anyone, and if you need details on where to find them, please reach out and I will put you in touch with the right folks.
My sleeping arrangements in March in Northern OntarioJust over 18 months ago I found myself driving on a deserted highway in Northern Ontario along the shores of Lake Superior. I was driving to Thunder Bay to pick up my son who was finished university. On the Radio, I listened to a very frightened world. The CBC, the only station you can receive in some parts of Canada was reporting on COVID-19. These days we often forget how little we knew about this disease and where we as humanity might end up. The discussions and interviews ranged from "we'll get through this in a few months", to " we should prepare for and extinction event", or so it seemed. We were all afraid (some - afraid we'd run out of toilet paper :)). I have to admit - it was a frightening time if you stopped to think about anything other than the immediate. I ate and slept in the van on this 2-day drive, as nothing was open. Everyone was nervous.
Fast forward now, some nineteen months. We've seen the best that Humanity can accomplish, and we've seen some of the worst. We have seen probably 5 Million people die from this disease. Along the way, we have seen people deny it, downplay it, blame others, and all kinds of other things that are absolutely insane. Personally, I am lucky. I know of only one family member dying from it, but I also know of one individual who lost 3 or 4 members of his immediate family in ONE WEEKEND! Also - along the way, I personally wondered if I would ever see my mom or my sister again. I was lucky to have my two sons and wife here, and some very dear friends nearby. We got through it. "We" - meaning mankind. Okay, we are not completely though it, but eventually we will. I will not rant about those who are afraid of needles, or don't trust science but despite all that i believe we will get through it. And last weekend was thanksgiving day in Canada. As I sat outside marveling at an unusually beautiful fall day, I was truly thankful - that I got to see my family this year once again, and that I will get to see them again. There is absolutely nothing better than an entire week to get away with your family. Especially if that week presents certain wildlife photography opportunities. I know that I am a bit behind in posting this years' Algonquin photos, however, photos from this past week can be found here: Golden Lake Summer 2021 . We found this beautiful place last year in the middle of the Pandemic, when we found that we were not allowed to make our annual family excursion to see the fall colours in New Hampshire. Who knows, this may be the annual get-together place from now on. Note: Getting used to the heavy-duty photography gear now. Pics are coming in sharper and more to my liking. You look out at the thermometer and it says -12C. You feel all cozy and warm, but you say 'nope - I said I would go out, and I will'. Then when you feel the sun on your face, and you look at the scene around you (and you actually walk around), you don't feel the cold. The hoar-frost was spectacular this morning.
I keep reminding myself when there actually are rainy days that I probably skipped over a bunch of pictures that are 'not too bad'. The place was called Golden Lake. I see why :)
Sometimes you just got to sit and unwind, let the past go and even let the present slow down. A weekend on Golden Lake with family was just that recipe to relax. It rained, it was sunny, it was cloudy, and not so far away it snowed a little. Wonderful.
A failry simple capture - you just need to be there. Limited time only, and limited spectacle that we don't see very often in a lifetime. If anyone wants details on how to find it or how to capture it, please shoot me an email or post here, and I will be glad to assist. Also - ton of information available on line too.
Took forever to decide to bloom, but finally did early as the sun came up.
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John T."Photographs capture my viewpoint - based on my place on this planet, where I've been and who I am. If you 'get it' then you've been there too, either in mind, body, heart or soul." Also see the "EauPositivePhotography" pages for other stuff
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