Category: thoughts

For what it’s worth, I’ve revived my old blog ‘buzztail’. Like I posted a few days ago, I get the urge to write more now and then. The urge is getting stronger.

I’m posting pretty much only my own opinions. None of it is open to debate – I’m just sounding off. Some may be political, some social commentary perhaps, but largely about the wild. Take a look if you’re so inclined.

buzztail.net

I don’t write much anymore. I used to do more of it, but I haven’t done much in recent years. I seldom have anything worthwhile I want to say, and if I think too hard about it I can hear my brain cells sizzling and I have to lie down. Procrastination wins. I do get the urge occasionally though, so maybe I’ll give it a go now and then.

I don’t write about my pictures, they speak for themselves, and I don’t really have anything to say about technique or method or how-to. That’s up to each individual to work out. Why-to might be worth some exploration if I can actually think of anything.

So, in short, on those rare occasions when I have something original to say, I’ll probably post it here. Or else I’ll just go lie down. We’ll see. This is my space and I can do with it what I want, right? We’ll see what comes of it.

You may have noticed a subtle change in the photos I’ve posted lately. I’ve toned down the blasting sunlight a bit and I’m using a few more mid-tones. The fierce sun is a fact of life out here in this low desert and I’ll still take advantage of that, but I’ll go the other direction for awhile. The harsh contrasty blast of the sun can be like a stick in the eye, which I like, but I can’t go much farther with it without constantly repeating myself. The ultimate shot of the fierceness of the desert sun would be a blank white screen.

The photos are still recognizable as my own though. Anyone who has followed this site at all will see that. There’s nobody else around here who can do what I do. It’s not a matter of skill or talent – it’s simply a matter of living with the desert. I’m here 24/7, in all seasons and all weather conditions from 120° summer heat to the cold winds of winter and I don’t have heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer. I live with the elements. I know the place intimately, and very few, if any, are able to spend the time getting to know it like I do. This is my turf. I’ve made it my own.

Anybody can do the same wherever they may live. Get to know your turf intimately, in all conditions, and make it your own. Learn what you’re capable of and show it. That’s the challenge.