sunshooter Loc: Coppell, TX (ouside Dallas)

An outstanding pair of photos, and what memories they brought back - I've caught a lot of fish on each of those old lures.

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

Thanks for the smile sunshooter... One of the reasons most of my images are absent of people is so the viewer can become a part of the image and make it their own.. I usually try to give an appearance of casual human interaction so it does not have a formal or sterile look to it.. Believe it or not it takes a lot of time to place items to appear that way.. :) Thanks for adding some more life to my images.. Glad it sparked memories for you... Have a great new year!

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

I was moving some files around and realized I had a larger crop of the second image.. I think I still like the original one I posted though...

wingray

I like your still life. Very nicely done.

saycheese Loc: By the Big Lake in West Michigan

Reminds me of my childhood..my Dad and brothers were always messing with their lures and gear.One of my brothers is in FL for the winter,on a kayak no doubt,fishing in the ocean.
Loved your still life !!
Annie

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

Thank you Annie... :) Thanks for sharing your memories...

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

I can see these framed and hanging in a mountain cabin. Very nice

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I think I recognize your photo box.
Excellent choice for your study shots.

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

Thank you Elliern.... :) Yes, I could see that....

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

Thank you Kingmapix.... Ya, this old box gets around. It has become a big part of my still lifes... :)

DLSigler

Hey Randy,

I'm just getting back into photography after many years. My experience happened during the film days, and coming back through digital imagery makes me feel like Rip Van Winkle.

Although I am enjoying the capabilities of digital photography, I am enjoying realizing that most of the interesting work happens after capturing the original image.

I especially enjoy your surrealistic imagery. Quite extraordinary. You are taking photographic images into the realm of illustration. Fascinating.

I am building my understanding and skills with HDR. I am assuming that the Batavia image starts with HDR before you put your magic on it. Beautiful.

In my day, we bracketed just to ensure we got the image. HDR is a marvelous adaptation of this concept. I was speaking with a friend who feels that HDR has lead us away from pure photography, and I find this amusing. People who believe in old school photography (not digitally changing the image) forget that Ansel Adams spent hours in the darkroom doing just this. His great images of Yosemite Valley and Mount Williamson, though produced through careful burning and dodging, produced the very results HDR does for us these years later.

I can only imagine that Mr. Adams would applaud what we are able to do in today's darkroom.

Bottom line, your work is brilliant. I am now your student!

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

That is a mighty huge compliment DLSigler...Thank you... :)
I really do not claim to be a Photographer as much as a creative Artist.. I am not a true Photographer and I think my ignorance to much of the technical aspect of photography has let me be more creative in finding my art form.. I do not limit myself to others mindset on what is right or wrong, or if it follows the rules.. I really do just create..My camera just happens to be my most important tool in doing that, because I need the image to start with...Even if most people did not like my work, I would still do it the way I do.. It is my release and my expression.. I do not have some magic button I push to transform my images. If you were to look at my gallery it is obvious my treatment is different in many cases.. I treat each image differently, even if only slightly.... It may not be pure or true photography, but I would be lost in expressing myself without it.. A painter that cannot paint.. As far as the Batavia image you mentioned, it is HDR.. About 95 percent of my work is HDR..
Thank you so much again for your kind words, understanding and support... :)
And welcome to UHH...

DLSigler

You have a healthy understanding of your work and tools as an artist. The tools are simply a means to an end: a brush, piece of charcoal, a camera lens and a darkroom; they just start one on a journey of creative discovery. Do not rate acceptance of your work based on sales. I gave up photography as a professional many years ago because I could not make a living. Everyone loved my work, but never paid me enough to keep at it.

I'm coming back at it again now only because I will soon be able to retire from my career and paying the bills will not be a factor this time.

From a financial perspective, if you want to sell your work, step back from being an artist, and start thinking like a business person (this is where I failed). Even old Ansel's estate continues to make money through online sales: http://www.gallerydirect.com/art/artists/ansel-adams?kwid=a6472fd597fa4e0bb56190c08c86c6d6&gclid=CMq79vLT37sCFSISMwodEBkAdA

How involved are you with shameless self-promotion? Not to harp on Adams too much, but if you read his biography (and admittedly he is a photographer), you'll find that he was very active in teaching and developing his art. He was involved with several art schools during his life. In this day, you can go global by developing instructional videos that not only highlight your work, but also put your face out there. Just a thought.

Making a living: every financially successful artist I know has an agent or rep working on a percentage. Look for any opportunity to put your images in the market place. Where do you suppose all of those images come from when they put up the calendar kiosks in the mall at Christmas! Keep at it my friend!

I just submitted my first try at toning an HDR image. It's called The Kentucky Cabinet. The work is blotchy and out of control, but I learned!

What's more, I did not try it until I saw your work. You inspired me!

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

I feel we all inspire each other in one way or another and when someone tells me I inspired them, that is a huge compliment... You are too kind.. I really appreciate all your advice from experience and your compliments... As far as shameless self-promotion, that is pretty much how our work gets seen to begin with, for Photographers, Artists and Musicians... Even if it is simple posting such as on a forum... I will keep this all in mind and look forward to seeing your work... Thanks again... :)

Mirage Loc: Georgia & NY

The perspective in the first one draws you in...Love it!