PixelatedImage Blog

In 20 minutes I leave for the Vancouver airport, fly to San Francisco where I meet up with my producer and friend, Gary. From there we overnight to Washington DC, have a 12 hour layover, then head to Dakar, Senegal. I’ll be shooting about 10 hours out of Dakar in what is technically beyond the middle of nowhere. I return late-ish on Feb 13. I strongly suspect there will be no opportunity for me to check in here while gone, and that’s probably a good thing. Long days and lots to do. While I’m gone please make yourselves at home, browse the archives, head over to Craft & Vision and get the eBooks you don’t yet have, or better yet, just shut the computer and go shoot something you love.

See you soon.

Here’s the February 2010 wallpaper in both 2560×1600 and 1280×853, shot on the Maasai Mara this past January. I ran this through NiK Software’s fantastic Silver Efex and added a texture, which is a little out of the usual for me, but 2010 is the year for me to play and try new things. Sometimes they’ll work, other times not so much.

Be back from Senegal on Feb 13.

Click the image above to get the small wallpaper, and HERE to get the large one. Enjoy!

Mti 1, Burning Bush. Kenya 2010

There’s a great Peter Gabriel song about the tension between the desire to be home and to keep travelling. He begins with “Lost my time, lost my place, in sky blue,” and goes on in the chorus to say, “so tired of all this travelling / so many miles away from home / i keep moving to be stable / free to wander, free to roam.” Man am I feeling that right now. It’s good to be home but I’m jetlagged and not trying too hard to fight it because on Thursday I head back out again, this time to Senegal.

I’ve got a desktop wallpaper for you for the end of the month, I’ll post that before I go. Other than that my time back home has been too short and too full to even think about doing much more than putting the latest book out there for you (If you didn’t see that release, check it out here – The Inspired Eye, Vol II ). Add to the list of skills a photographer needs: an ability to manage time and get more done than possible.

Kenya was amazing. It was hard and I learned alot. I spent time with a great team of people whom I really enjoyed. But many of us struggled to shoot against our expectations. You go to a place with expectations and they can blind you. But they can also be the veil that hides some great surprises. I went for example, thinking I might get a few shots of majestic male lions or something. Didn’t come close. But I got some landscapes I love. And I learned a lot. It comes back to the idea that as creatives we must focus first on the process itself and not the product. Focusing on the product can blind us to what the muse is pointing at, and that’s a dangerous place for a creative who’s in the business of seeing and themselves pointing at things for others to see.

So now I’m up to my knees in gear that needs wiping down and checking, batteries that need re-charging, new harddrives to install for the coming year, and all the concerns related to getting what’s needed to do the job packed and out the door.

The highlight of my week was in seeing the reception to the last eBook. You guys blew the doors off my hopes and within the first 24 hours the classrooms I wanted to build for the school in Kenya were completely paid for. Thanks so much for participating in that with me. It’s yet another thing that sets this community apart from others. Y’all may not be big, but you’re big-hearted. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I intend to return next January, to see the classrooms, hear more stories, and ask the same question I asked this year, “what’s your greatest need?” I hope you’ll be part of it again then too. As an aside, when I was 8 I walked to school worried about having not done my homework well. These kids walk to school worried a leopard will eat them. It’s a very real concern and happens often. Kind of puts things in perspective.

Lastly, when I arrive in Senegal I almost immediately jump into a Land Crusier and drive 10 hours into the bush, so it’ll be quiet around here. But I’ll be thinking about you, promise

The Inspired Eye, Notes on Creativity for Photographers, Vol I has been one of the most well-received eBooks we’ve put out. When I first wrote it I had in mind a second volume. Hence the clever business about it being Volume I. Well the sequel is now here and while I toyed with calling it The Inspired Eye 2, Revenge of the Muse, or something dramatic, I took the high road.

The Inspired Eye II picks up where the first one ended and is a further exploration of the creative process. 32 pages long, it’s illustrated with my first film images in over 10 years, themselves part of my own pursuit of the creative process.

If you’ve been wanting to begin the New Year by jumping some creative ruts, then this is a great place to begin.

I am releasing this today, January 22, and for the first 2 days – Jan 22 and 23 – am offering two discounts.

The discount code inspired4 will allow you to buy the book for $4 instead of the usual $5.

The discount code inspired25 will allow you to buy 4 or more books from the Craft & Vision Store for 25% off.

Only one coupon can be used at once, so choose wisely. Buy the whole set or just buy the ones you don’t have, but both these codes will expire at 1am PST on January 24th. You can buy the book at the bottom of this page, but if you want more you’ll find the full collection at CraftAndVision.com.

I’m launching this only 24 hours after my return from Kenya. While there I spent time at a little school just outside of the Massai Mara National Park. Their biggest need was a new wing with a couple new classrooms, and the first 1000 sales of this eBook will pay for that. Just thought you should know that you’re part of something bigger Thanks again for all your support of these crazy plans of mine.

This is a 32-page downloadable eBook in Adobe PDF format.

Take Me to CraftAndVision.com for the full collection of eBooks.

Dusk at Karen Blixen Camp just outside the Maasai Mara National Park.

I’m writing this at the Amsterdam airport. Been here since 5am and my flight leaves at 5pm, another couple hours. Another 12 hours from now and I’ll be home. Had a fun layover in Amsterdam but my wifi just ran out. So I’ll post this from home.

Can’t wait to update you on the trip to Kenya, my first safari. I travelled with an exceptional group of photographers with gear ranging from iPhones to pro-cameras and big glass with multipliers, surrounded by beanbags and monopods, and it’s been a fantastic trip. We’re already in the initial stages of planning for 2011 and I can hardly wait.

I’m not a wildlife photographer, but this trip re-awakened in me some deep conservationist leanings, and a new appreciation for how difficult the work of some of the best wildlife shooters is. I came away with a head full of lessons, African savannah air that lightens the chest and the spirit, and a heart full of possibilities. One of those possibilities is a school for Maasai children. Tomorrow the next eBook launches and the first 1000 copies sold are going to build a new wing on to a school just outside the Maasai mara. I got into the kind of photography I did because I saw it as a possible agent of change, and this is a great example of thinking  a little outside the box – something at which Africans are exceedingly good. At some point I’ll post a slideshow of images from that school, but I want to thank you in advance for being part of the future of these incredible kids.

Stay tuned tomorrow (Jan 22nd) for the launch of The Inspired Eye, Vol II. There’s a discount – in fact, TWO of them to choose from – and the first 1000 copies sold go straight to this project; the construction will be overseen by GIVE International and 100% of those funds will go to building this wing. It’s our project, so spread the love and tell the world.

I’m around until the 28th, will be blogging until then. Then it’s off to Senegal and I’m sorry to say it’ll be quiet again around these here parts until the 14th of February.

It’s good to be home. I’ll post more soon, including some images. Just give me a little time to catch my breath.

A week from today, on January 22, the sequel to The Inspired Eye, Notes on Creativity for Photographers, Vol I, will be released. I’ll make the announcement on the 22nd and for the first 48 hours you’ll be able to buy it for $4 instead of the usual high-ticket price of $5.

I’m excited about this one. I know, I say that about all of them, but these two are really close to my heart (ahem, what does that even mean?). The subject matter is important and writing these two books has taught me a lot. That’s one reason. The second reason is that this book is illustrated with some of the first images I’ve shot on film in 10 years and I had a blast rediscovering this medium.

The Craft & Vision Store is growing, and with it our commitment to getting solid photographic education into your hands for about as much as a Starbuck’s latte. Books from Kevin Clark, Dave Delnea, and Gavin Gough are on the horizon and I can’t wait to bring them to you. But I have to because they’re still writing them. In the coming months we’ll have a couple more of the best resources available anywhere for $5.

Some of the images from the first few batches of film I ran through the 500C/M. Man I love shooting film again. The magic of seeing a new strip of transparencies on the lightbox? I feel like I’m 16 all over again!

If my travels have all gone to plan I am now in the last 4 days of our photographic safari in Kenya on the the Maasai Mara. I get home on the 20th, in time to release the book on the 22nd, do my laundry and head out to Senegal on the 28th. Hoping to have time to post some images from Kenya as well. See you then!

This is Corwin. Corwin meet everyone, everyone, Corwin. Corwin’s my manager, friend, and Fire Put-er Outer. In my absence he thought he’d grab the microphone and fill the dead air. Corwin is a sharp mind who gets professional creatives like no one else I know. He’s the author of Growing The VisionMonger, the most recent eBook on offer from Craft & Vision. Highly recommended. Anyways, that’s the intro. Corwin will post while I’m gone. Look for a post from me on the 15th.

Ever had the awkward feeling that you’re standing on stage, wearing nothing but black socks? Well over these past few days I’ve lived on a stage of sorts. Last week saw the launch of the first collaborative eBook on Craft & Vision and, sure enough, it was mine. Not only am I the first non-duChemin to put it out there, but I’m also the first non-photographer to do so (that’s where the naked part comes in—the socks are just a bonus). I wrote Growing the VisionMonger in hopes of providing a helping hand to weekend warriors and pros alike, but there was a lesson in that eBook for me too: move quickly on a good idea, regardless of the risk.

That’s what I’ve learned from being around David; when a good idea comes along, he jumps all over it. As his manager, I’m privy to David’s schedule (his tasks, his clients, his whims and stressors) and I see all that he has on his plate. What always stands out to me is how he’s always looking for a big idea and how prepared he is to make it a reality. When he gets inspired, he moves fast. Take, for example, this whole Craft & Vision thing. When hiking with him this past August, David says to me, “Hey, I’m thinking of writing an eBook, what do you think?” We chatted about it for a few minutes, as we scrambled through a gully, and that was that. Well, within a few days, wham-o! eBook out the door (and 4 more followed shortly thereafter).

So what’s his secret? Well, seeing how he’s out of the country and less able to defend himself, let me tell you. David makes small, attainable goals and then works very hard to complete them. Those initial steps happen within a day, if not within an hour. And, when inspired, he tells people about it. He doesn’t sit on a good idea; he shares it. This gives him enough feedback to make the tweaks and changes he needs to feel confident about moving forward. He also gains the support of those his trusts and enjoys working with.

So what about your ideas? Which ones have been percolating for far too long? Which ones do you want to make a move on and see become a reality? Why not take a risk, jump up on stage, and put some action to your inspiration? I would, however, recommend keeping your clothes on.

Growing The VisionMonger is available, with all the Craft & Vision titles, for only $5 from CraftAndVision.com

This July I’m heading to Tibet for the first time and I’ll be exploring the Tibetan plateau with 9 others. You could be one of them.

It’s a small group, as it always is with Lumen Dei tours. We’ll be spending our time among nomads in some of the more remote reaches of the plateau, and our time will be culminating with a large nomad horse festival. I’ve been asked to lead this group as the instructor so will be with you nearly 24/7 for this trip. It’ll be an adventure and while I hate to play favourites I think this is the tour I am most excited about this year, if only because Tibet has been on my bucket list for so long it’s starting to seem like one of those mythical places you read a lot about but doesn’t actually exist.

More information can be found on the site HERE. The tour is from July 20-30, (though the graphic above says 19th to 31st because those are arrival and departure dates)  Cost is USD$4800 from Xining. This one is going to go fast. If the dates don’t work or you prefer to do a similar tour with someone better looking than I am, Matt Brandon will be doing a similar tour, though without the horse festival, from June 18th to July 01st. Info on Matt’s tour can be found HERE.

This is the only remaining tour I am leading for 2010 that is not sold out. If you’ve got an itch to do this once-in-a-lifetime journey and think traveling with me wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world,  then act quick. Can’t wait to see who’s traveling with me for this one. Lumen Dei tours are an unique photographic learning experience; join us!

Lumen Dei was founded by Matt Brandon and I, and still reflects our passion, vision, and ethics, but is now run separately in order to grow with the demand. If you have specific questions about the tour please feel free to ask but I’m in Africa until the middle of February and wouldn’t be able to do more than guess at the answer anyways. I no longer deal with logistics in any way. I focus on what I love and what I am good at – teaching. The other guys do a much better job at the other stuff. My only regret in all this is that I don’t get to travel with Matt, which ought to keep the sarcasm levels down, but now I’ll have no one to snuggle with on those cold Himalayan nights Ahem. All that to say, please direct questions through the Lumen-Dei site and be patient, you’re dealing with very capable people that might be spending a few nights with the nomads and it might take a couple days to get a reply. They’ll take excellent care of you, though.

Tomorrow (Jan 06th) I fly from Vancouver to Heathrow, overnight in Heathrow and fly to Nairobi the next morning. On the 10th Ryan Snider and I welcome our guests to Nairobi and spend the next 10 days with them in the Maasai Mara. Can’t wait. I’ll be back to Vancouver on the 20th, with enough time to do laundry, repack, and grab a flight to Senegal for 2 weeks of assignment work for World Vision Canada. Excited to get the wind in my sails again!

Don’t miss the coming post about Tibet – should be posting it within the next 12 hours. There will be room for 8-9 folks to join me and the team in Tibet in July and I’d love to have you with us.

Blog posts will be thin while I’m gone. I’m hoping to get a guest post up in the day or two, other than that, if I can squeeze a postcard through the narrow bandwidth in Nairobi either before or after the safari I will. See you when I get back!

Self portrait, Jan 03, 2010

Last week I started a discussion about sustaining the practice of art, based on the Kurt Vonnegut quote about the purpose of art being the growth of the soul.  Y’all chimed in with what you do to sustain your creativity, and if you haven’t read through the comments in that post, you’ll want to. This community is full of creative people with great ideas about how to care for the creative soul.

The reason I brought this all up is the feeling that my own bucket has been draining faster than I can fill it, and I’m in need of a refill. My own means of refilling is to return to the craft with a renewed sense of play. Many of you mentioned taking time on the river or in the mountains, doing anything but picking up the camera, and I do that to, but to really stir the paint, I need to do it with the paint brush in the other hand and in proximity to the canvas. My problem is not that I’m weary of the craft, but that I’ve been so busy with all the other things involved with VisionMongering that I’ve had no time to really play.

So I’ve started a year of play. A year of planned self-assignments, and forced creative exercises. Digital cameras, iPhones, film cameras, and a whole mess of assignments that have nothing whatsoever to do with my usual work. Just enforced play. I used the words “forced” and “enforced”, not because I’m reluctant to do it otherwise but because I tend to get so busy with the business end of things that the creative side gets neglected unless I make an intentional effort to nurture it. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say I am forcing the distractions out of the sandbox, not forcing my creative side to stay in, because that part’s easy. It sounds like I’m forcing my muse to submit to a repressive regime; I’m not. I’m so excited about this year I can barely contain it or wait to start. So I didn’t. I started today.

The first exercise is a frequent self-portrait, something I keep wanting to do and never get around to. The image at top is shot with my 5D through a 4×5 view camera, lit with a bare-bulb LED modeling light on my Elinchrom Quadra.

Inspiration comes and goes, but the more we do the work, intentionally chase the muse and engage her, the more she works on your behalf. We need to do the other stuff, put the camera down and breathe deep in the places that water our souls, but we also need to stretch and exercise the muscles we hope to lean on. What are you going to do this year to keep the muse in shape, to pro-actively stir the paint, and to stay inspired? Let us know, comments are open.

Looking for more? The Inspired Eye, Volume I, is about this exact thing, if you haven’t yet picked it up, now would be a great time. Volume II will be released later this month. The Inspired Eye, Vol.I is available HERE for $5.