The Ripple Effect

As a native Iowan, I am proud to say, once again Iowa produced more corn than any other state in the country.  In 2021 Iowa produced 2.5 billion bushels of corn, making it the #1 producer of corn in the U.S.  Illinois produced 2.2 billion bushels making it the 2nd most productive corn state.  In case you were wondering, Nebraska came in third and Wisconsin is much further down the list.  However, we are still the lead state for cheese, of course!

Since I grew up in Iowa, the beauty of growing cornfields was so commonplace I actually didn't give it much thought, until recently. Driving down roadways this time of year the corn has just about peaked in terms of height, but not ready to harvest just yet. As you drive and take a quick glance it is easy to spot an optical illusion, of sorts. The rows and rows of corn seems to move in a ripple pattern.

 This optical trick can only be achieved when the corn is planted in rows perpendicular to the road.  In Iowa that was usually the case.  In the beautiful rolling hills here in NW Wisconsin, some of the crops are planted in more curves, not rows.  The artistic beauty of the farmland is still present, but the ripple effect is not as frequently seen.  This ripple effect can also be found with some other crops, but it is much more evident with corn.  Think about our classic American tribute: America the Beautiful. Remember those "amber waves of grain"...waves. You can just see it rippling in the wind.  Although I usually picture wheat for that particular song visualization. Okie dokie...another important crop beautifying the landscape.

Now you may be thinking.... Julie what you been smoking? Or drinking?  Actually, nothing at all. Nothing that would hinder my ability to go out and enjoy the beauty of the season and also the joy of photography. The patterns and "ripples" in nature are a joy to behold and also to photograph.  Anyone that has travelled down a country road, especially this time of year...knows what I mean.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

It's nice to appreciate what are seemingly the commonplace things in our world, things that perhaps we need an extra nudge to notice. There is beauty to be found in the cornfields. Beauty and patterns. Even if you are not a photographer...it's nice to explore the beauty in the everyday. Nature is full of interesting patterns. Another one that comes to mind is the ripple effect in stone that creates the illusion of waves.   An excellent example of this is found among the walls of the Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Just look at the way it could be perceived as ripples of water.

With all this talk about ripples, consider where the parallel got started...with water. Look at all the photographs dedicated to the beauty of water. I have many photos of waterfalls and it is intriguing to capture how water reacts in certain conditions.  Here's an awesome example of the Ripple Effect with water....

Photo by maxpixel.net

So enjoy the patterns of nature, what a lovely time of year to do that. When the snow starts to fly that will bring a whole new host of opportunities to looks at patterns...

Julie E. Smith

For the Love of Lighthouses

It is no small wonder that I chose a lighthouse logo for the inside cover of my recent book. It's kind of my "thing"...I am fascinated by the beauty and history of lighthouses. Not only are they interesting structures, the fact that they both literally and figuratively illuminate our world is an inspiration to me.  I originally published a blog on this topic several years ago, but sometimes you have a topic that is worth revisiting.  With the summer travel season upon us, the possibility of lighthouse viewing increases! And yes....I still have a love of lighthouses and seek them out in my travels. 

Another reason that I chose to revisit one of my favorite topics is a gift I received recently from a dear friend of mine. (Thank you so much Joan...you know I love it.)  It is a framed stitchery of a relatively famous East coast lighthouse: The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, located in Chesapeake Bay.  It is the most recognized lighthouse in Maryland.  Looking at the beautiful stitchery I realized that I "should" know this one, but I had to do my research on it until I identified it. 

Thomas Point Shoal Light-Built 1825, Chesapeake Bay

 Its unique structure makes it stand out as not the standard style of lighthouse. It was originally built in 1825 and was modified several times and is the only screw-pile (construction style) lighthouse in the bay which stands at its original site.  A photograph of the stitchery, does not do it justice to admire the colors and textures, but the above photo shows the unique lighthouse that the stitchery was based on. 

Fellow admirers of Lighthouses will agree with me that these majestic structures provide an inspiration and tales of their colorful histories abound. Not only are they interesting to visit, they provide an ideal subject for photography. They always "stay put" and don't move while you frame out that perfect shot.  Also, it never ceases to amaze me that no two lighthouses are alike and they are as varied as the shorelines they beautify.

 I believe Lighthouses have evolved from their historical roots as a guide to ships in turbulent waters and rugged, dangerous coastlines to landmarks of great historical significance and beauty. Not only do they serve to guide ships, but they have an air of spirituality about them to guide troubled souls in a world of darkness.  Their beacons shine in such a way that they provide an inspiration to all who view them.  How can one look upon a majestic lighthouse perched on a cliff or at the far end of a pier and not help but smile at its beauty.

Living in the Midwest, I feel honored that we have the greatest concentration of lighthouses anywhere in the world.  By virtue of the five Great Lakes, that provide hundreds of miles of coastline, lighthouses  were needed to provide safe navigation.  In recent years, many of the lighthouses have not continued to operate and function as navigating tools, with the advent of more technologically advanced methods replacing them.  Yet, since many are steeped in history and tradition, there are efforts to restore and maintain them. For more information, an interesting site on preservation is: www.lighthousepreservation.org

It is interesting when visiting a community that is fortunate enough to have a lighthouse; the local residents utilize it as a focal point and a tool for orienting. “Oh, that cottage is located just south-east of the lighthouse”, one might say; makes things easier to pinpoint.  Also, many times a specific lighthouse is symbolic to the area in which it is found and has unique characteristics to only that lighthouse.  That is the exciting thing about lighthouses: each one is different and each one has their own special features and attributes. Not all are the tall beacons rising high on a rocky cliff.  Many are actually relatively small structures, but are situated on a jutting landscape so as to shine their light on the water.  It never ceases to amaze me the different sizes, shapes and features inherent with all the different lighthouses.

When viewing, and visiting a lighthouse I try to appreciate the craftsmanship of the actual building and of course the view from the top, if one is able to gain access to the tower. In addition to the physical beauty you are surrounded by, it is wondrous to imagine the history, local lore and stories therein.

As a lover of the National Parks, I have collected "stamped entries" in my Passport for the National Parks. But did you know there is also a Passport for collecting "Stamps" of US Lighthouses? I also add little photographs to mine. The Passport is available from the United States Lighthouse Society.  I was surprised, and delighted, that the US Lighthouse Society is based out of the same small Washington town that I have visited several times; my sister-in-law lives there: Hansville. Several walks along the beach included trips to this charming lighthouse. The Point No Point Lighthouse was built in 1879 and is the oldest lighthouse in Puget Sound. If you are interested in more information on lighthouses and/or to get your own Passport, their web site is: uslhs.org

Point No Point Lighthouse-Hansville, Washington

When close to a lighthouse I can’t help but feel a sense of serenity and guidance, a connection between the creations of man and the turbulence of waters of Mother Nature; both the sea and the massive stretches of fresh water lakes. Here is one of my favorite iconic lighthouses in the Midwest: Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior (Minnesota). It was built in 1910 and sits atop 127 foot cliff.  Now that is quite a cliff! I have visited there several times.  Tours are available and it is operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.  And I will say the gift shop is pretty awesome too for all the Lighthouse items you can imagine! Truly awesome to learn how the structure was built and to hear the stories of how it has helped mariners on the turbulent waters of Lake Superior.

Split Rock Lighthouse-Minnesota

 

St. Joseph Lighthouse ~ Michigan

Shown here is the St. Joseph Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. (St. Joseph, Michigan) Since it is situated across from Chicago on Lake Michigan, lighthouses were built at the St. Joseph location dating back to 1832, but the current structures were built in 1907. This is a lighthouse with such character and seems rather diminutive with it's small "partner" building. The lighthouse itself is not that tall, but sits atop the pier as it juts out  approximately 1,000 feet out onto the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan.  I have walked all the way to the end of the pier to take in the view from the lighthouse.  Catwalks above the pier were built so that the lighthouse keepers could access the lights when the seas were rough and waved crashed over the pier. Walking on the pier on a sunny, summer day, I envisioned what it would have been like on the catwalks with snow and ice below you.

St. Joseph Lighthouse in winter, Michigan

This particular lighthouse is frequently photographed when artfully depicted covered with snow and ice; as shown in the photo here.

So the next time you have an opportunity to visit a lighthouse, take the time to enjoy it’s unique design and think of its rich history. Ask a local about the history and the folktales of the lighthouse...I'll bet there is a story to hear.

Going beyond the mechanics: Finding the Joy in Phototograpy

This is not a lesson in apertures, F-stops and shutter speeds. It is more of a discussion on the subjective nature of photography and how different perspectives can improve the quality of your photographs.

Great Blue Heron--Lake Wapogasset, Wisconsin

What makes a truly great photograph? Like any art, a "great" photograph is subjective and is perceived differently by each person. As the adage goes: "One man's trash is another man's treasure", and that could be applied to favorite photos as well. I was so incredibly excited to get this shot of a beautiful Heron as he was fishing for his supper. I was relatively close to him and stood very still, he didn't seem to mind....he was more focused on his fishing. I also have a fairly decent zoom lens, which helps. In any case, I was happy with the end result. When it comes to wildlife photography, anyone who has achieved a terrific shot will tell you patience is a virtue. And takes LOTS of shots, it may take several to get the exact photo you want.

When I was journalism student in college (back in the day before digital photography....just a few yeas ago)  I took several photography classes as part of my curriculum. The mechanics of photography have changed, but the elements of style and design have not.   A great example of this propensity for subjectivity in the art of photography became very clear to me in the experience I had with this class. I kept up with the assignments and had mastered the processes involved in dark room work. Our final project required a series of 12 photos, all black and white and all based on a specific theme. Now this is a perfect way to help budding photographers hone the craft: stay focused on a specific theme and/or object and really explore all the possibilities. I choose cemeteries and beautiful tombstones. I thought it was a great topic for black and white photos; dark and mysterious and bit macabre.  I worked hard on different landscapes, lighting and I was quite proud of the end result. All our projects were shared with the class. Another class mate did her entire final project on one lone tree on the top of a hill. She probably did all her shooting in one day. She got an "A" and I ended up with a "C". Obviously the professor and I did not have the same perception of what is considered artistic and quality photographs. I will never forget how it made me feel, but it also taught me a valuable lesson. Photography is so much more than the mechanics of the process, it has to be felt from the heart. It is also an art, which of course is perceived differently by different people. So if you have a photo that you are proud of, display it proudly and share it too!

Split Rock Lighthouse:Lake Superior                      Inside the Keeper's Pantry

There are photos that are just documentation of a special event, special within their own right, then there are photos that take on an artistic rendering of the subject. The lighting, angles, focus and filters can really change an everyday object and bring out unique features. I took the above photographs of my favorite, very scenic lighthouse: Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. The color image is nice to capture the majestic cliff, icy blue waters of Superior and the details of the lighthouse itself. Yet the black and white image of the pantry in the Keeper's quarters seems to tell a story of the lonely, simple and frugal life of the lighthouse keepers. If it were depicted in color, it just wouldn't seem to have the same qualities. The simplicity of black and white photography can really make a statement and it's good to consider that depending on the subject.

The more I take photos I realize, some of the best are taken when the subjects are unaware they are being photographed. This creates a feeling of intimacy and takes away the "posed" look. When I was visiting an aquarium in Seward with my husband and son, I snapped this picture of them sitting together chatting in front of an exhibit. A very nice father/son moment... and it ended up being one of my favorite pictures of the day. So don't forget to be a little stealth with your camera, you will be pleasantly surprised what you will capture.

Nevertheless, it can also be rewarding to have a thematic element to a collection of pictures. Maybe my college photography instructor had some good points in that respect. It adds a neat perspective to see a collection of photographs that follow a theme. A Facebook page I follow: "The Northern Way of Life" always has a fantastic collection of photos about....wait for it....the Northern Way of Life. The man that started the page is a Wisconsin resident. Ya-Hoo! Looking at the photos, it's easy to see the different perceptions of all that is worth taking pictures "up north" here: a forest path, a lone fisherman, a Bald Eagle circling above a sparkling stream. The possibilities are endless and it is interesting to note that this group has close to 37,000 followers, and I can see why. It is so fun to admire the photo artwork of others and it frequently provides inspiration.

Another site that I really enjoy is sure to bring inspiration for photographers. Flickr is a photo sharing site and I have been a member since 2016. You can check out flickr with the following link:https://www.flickr.com/people/141888018@N06/ This takes you to my page, or you can just look at flickr.com. There are so many talented photographers there and speaking of themes, you can do any search and it will bring up in amazing amount of photos on a range of subjects. I lately have found an interest in the amazing diversity and character to be found in photographing old barns.

Sounds boring, but they have a story to tell. Just search "old barns" on flickr and you will be amazed at all the cool buildings and settings you will see.  When I did that search I came across the old barn in Wyoming at the Grand Tetons National Park.  It is an amazing iconic structure and once you see it with the mountains in the background you definitely remember it.  I went to Wyoming a few years ago, and when I saw the photo it still jumped out to me as the Tetons. Wow! I also discovered that it has a specific name: The Moulton Barn. Discoveries like that are exciting and seems to shout: "A picture is worth a thousand words". And also worth sparking a thousand memories.
The more you view others photos the more inspiration you will find to enhance your own. ENJOY the search. JES