September 2009 Newsletter
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Where did the summer go? This summer was a blur of art shows, festivals and a few trips. As the days grow shorter and the nights are cooler, the hummingbirds, warblers and other summer residents will soon be headed south.
Before winter sets we will have the brief colorful interlude of fall. The northwoods has seen plenty of rain this summer and the temperatures have been mild. Could this be the combination for a spectacular fall color show? My guess would be yes, if we had not been overrun by tent caterpillars earlier this year. Many of the maples and other hardwoods were stripped of their leaves. Although they have grown new leaves, these are smaller and have had less time to photosynthesize. There will still be areas that may see some fantastic fall colors.
I am planning a fall trip to the Upper Peninsula to capture some of the colors. Spots such as the Lake of the Clouds, Presque Isle River, Seney Wildlife Refuge and other picturesque locales beckon as one last photo expedition before my winter semi-hibernation .
Sandhill crane at Bosque Del Apache, February 2009
Flower Garden, August 2009
Half the interest of a garden is the constant exercise of the imagination. ~Mrs. C.W. Earle, Pot-Pourri from a Surrey Garden, 1897
Having a fancy digital camera does not guarantee great images. There, I said it here. I am offering sessions for those of you who have ever wanted to learn more about photography, or how to get more out of your camera. The first session covers the basics of photography. This basic session is only $60 and you will learn some of what I have paid thousands to learn. The second is a hands on shooting session with an introduction to processing images in Photoshop. If you feel like you know your camera, but want to get some hands on training and want to get started with processing using Photoshop, this session is for you ($50). The sessions are scheduled whenever there are enough people signed up. I will try to keep the groups small so that there is time for personal instruction. If you are interested, please contact me via e-mail at thaxby02@yahoo.com or call me at 231-620-0521.
To everyone who stopped by my booth at the art shows this summer. It was encouraging to hear that people like my photos. I will try to keep capturing images to share and posting on my website at www.tomhaxbyphotos.com or more immediately on my blog. Thank you again to Michgan Blue Magazine for featuring one of my images on the cover of their summer issue. Summer is a great time to be on a lake, river, in the woods or anywhere outdoors up north, and they highlighted some of the best reasons.
Now for some shameless self-promotion. It was a cold, rainy and dreary day at the Cadillac Art Fair (Yes, this was in July). As I was again mopping the drips inside of my booth, under the leaky tent, I was surprised by representatives from the Cadillac Art Fair who showed up with a check and a ribbon for Best of Show. That made my day, and for awhile I forgot the cold winds whipping off of Lake Cadillac. Did I mention that this was in July?
Point Betsie Lighthouse, July 2009
NANPA Regional Event
Many of my best images have come from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As a member of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), it is exciting that they have chosen this area for a four-day regional event in October. Photo trips will be lead by local photographers to South Manitou Island, Point Betsie Lighthouse, Sleeping Bear Point, Empire Bluff, the Port Oneida Historic District and other special sites within the park. There will be presentations, special dinners and a chance to connect with other photographers. To learn more about this event or to register go to the NANPA website for this event.
If you know of someone whom you think would like to subscribe to my newsletter please e-mail me with their e-mail address. The newsletter is free, hopefully informative and subscriptions can be discontinued at any time. Also, comments are always welcome. Finally, my hometown - any guesses?
Last Shots
In the Woods, Kingsley, MI
Miner's Beach, Pictured Rocks