Foster Park - Fort Wayne, IN April 2009

Foster Park - Fort Wayne, IN

Chosen as Travel Photo of the week by MSNBC.com.

Do you know any "weeds" ?

I enjoy this photo for probably different reasons than most people. This is a Sulfur Cinquefoil. Typically this "flower" is considered a weed. It is commonly found growing along railroad tracks, roadsides, or coming up in the crack of a driveway. But if you take some time and study this little "flower" a bit, you can find some real beauty. (Notice the five delicate heart-shaped petals) Sometimes when you spend a little time really getting to know a "weed" (or a person) you may be surprised at what inner beauty they really have.

db

Whose hands are you in?

Job 12:7-10 - If you want to learn, then go and ask the wild animals and the birds, the flowers and the fish. Any of them can tell you what the Lord has done. Every living creature is in the hands of God.

Artist Statement

I find incredible satisfaction in capturing a moment in time with nature photography. Each season a new cast of characters takes the stage; new stars are born, old ones disappear. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Each moment of the year has it’s own beauty… a picture which was never before and will never be seen again”. I like that. A flower, a butterfly, or maybe a sunset; a landscape or tree, all waiting for their special moment to arrive; I just enjoy being there with my camera to welcome them.

I’ve been photographing various subjects for over 30 years. I’m primarily self-taught and I have learned by studying the works of other artists and photographers. My favorite subjects are from nature, and I have no problem seeing the fingerprints of a creative God throughout the natural world that I photograph. There is something special about a close-up image of a flower; the delicate patterns, the colors, the unique characteristics of each variety. When these qualities are captured in a photograph I find myself slowing down to see what I have been missing. Flowers can be beautiful from a distance, but if you really want to enjoy the moment, focus on the details; that’s what I try to do with my photography.

I believe that all good and beautiful things come from God. I believe there is only one God, one creator, and therefore one savior. With my photography, I try to point my viewers in His direction. I only record what He has already created. If I have done a good job, the real credit is to God.

Most of my recent images were recorded digitally with a Nikon D-80 camera. Macro shots typically are taken with a Sigma 105mm macro lens. I take nearly all serious photos in high-resolution RAW format and do final editing with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Most of my photographs are available as canvas gallery prints in either color or black and white as well as high-quality prints. Please contact me if you have special requests for certain sizes, subjects, or needs. Consider my art for your office, church, or home.

Thanks for visiting my web site. I would love to here from you. You may contact me at indianalight@gmail.com.
Denny

New Automotive Art Gallery

I have recently added a new Automotive Art Gallery to my indianalight.com website. Since I have been a kid, I've had quite an appreciation for the design and beauty of the American automobile. I've enjoyed capturing these new photos and hope you will take a look. Thanks for stopping by!

Cruise Tips - What we learned on our first cruise

My wife and I recently enjoyed our first cruise. We spent a week onboard the Star Princess visiting the Inside Passage of Alaska. I had done a fair amount of research on “cruise tips” before we left, so there weren’t too many big surprises for us. I thought I would provide a few thoughts about those things that you may not find in other articles about cruising in Alaska. Hopefully these may be helpful as you plan your next cruise.

Our cruise was with Princess Cruise Lines, Star Princess, June 1, 2008. Overall, I would say we were very happy with Princess and the experience on the Star Princess. I would highly recommend Princess and would travel with them again.

TIPS:

CELL PHONES: Don’t expect to use your cell phone while cruising in Alaska. They only worked while in port, and then they dropped calls and weren’t dependable. They were totally worthless out at sea. The ship is so large that it would have been very useful for my wife and I to be able to contact each other while we were not together on the ship – forget using cell phones. Instead, consider buying a good quality set of walkie-talkies before you leave.
CLOTHS: The weather was not ideal, a bit cool and damp; but what we hadn’t planned for was the wind. My advice, as they say, dress in layers – but pack a hooded sweatshirt or hooded jacket that can block the wind. Of course you may be able to get some better weather in July or August, but of course at premium rates (and more kids).
DINING: I believe that Princess and Norwegian are the only lines that offer “anytime” dining. Great concept. Unless you are traveling with a group, I ‘m not sure why you wouldn’t want the flexibility to dine when you want; and you meet a bunch of new people each night. That way you aren’t stuck with the same “duds” for every meal all week. By the way, the food was excellent.
TRAVEL ALARM: Take one. We had an inside room to save money. It was very dark and very quiet, and had no alarm to wake us up. You couldn’t tell if it was 3AM or 3PM. Plus the time changed to Alaska Time and our cell phones didn’t change until we got into port, close to a cell phone tower.
EXCURSIONS: There are probably some special excursions you should book ahead of time; maybe sea-plane rides or other excursions with limited seating; however, most all of the “touring” type excursions could be booked as soon as you get off the ship. There were more than adequate bus tours and trolley tours and such that you really don’t need to book ahead of time. Plus, if your plans change, or the weather is nasty, you don’t have to worry about having already committed.
SEATTLE: If you have the time, and money, go to Seattle (or Vancouver) a couple of days early. We really enjoyed Seattle and the stress level was greatly reduced by not worrying about getting to the cruise at the last minute.

If you would like to see other photos of our Alaskan cruise and Seattle, please visit my website at www.indianalight.com. If you would like to ask questions about our cruise, my e-mail address is on my website, Contact Info, or leave a comment here.

Happy Cruising
Denny Beck