Beauty’s Essence

What gives us more joy than flowers? The color. The fragrance. The pure delight of a garden of blooms and blossoms of many hues massed together to pleasure our senses. But for all that, a single bloom brings forth a simple elegance that is to be appreciated in a quieter way. And when photographing that single flower, the very simplicity of a black and white image provides a totally different appreciation. We see the elegant curves of the blossom, the soft, velvety texture, the complete delicacy of its design. Without the color to distract us, we see the essence of the flower.

Withered Pennywort

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

At one time this pennywort was elegant and beautiful. Alas, time has marched on, and the pennywort has felt its ravages. Now it is withered and marcescent and just so much detritus in the pond.

Party Palace

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

No matter your celebration, make it party time at Taqueria Leon. Conveniently located down by the railroad tracks, I know this fine establishment would be perfect for your company party or your daughter’s quinceanera. You might look at this worn-out old place and think, “Oh my, not for me.” But somehow I suspect that the folks here have more fun than do the folks at the local country club.

Providing A Boost Up

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

It is an old family cemetery that dates back to the mid-1800s with its last burial in 1942. Years ago someone tried to mark the graves with white crosses, a gallant effort, but ultimately in vain. Today the forlorn old crosses sit haphazard among overgrown bushes, weeds and gloomy Spanish moss.

And while this old graveyard has a woeful and melancholy feel, it has its light-hearted touches. This ladder leaning against the tree, so handy to a number of graves, seems to be ready to help these souls start their climbs to their own personal Elysian Fields. Who doesn’t need a boost up; one last bit of help?

Eagle In Profile

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

I saw this magnificent bird at a zoo in Colorado. This bald eagle is a rescue and has been in captivity for several years. But living in a structured environment does not seem to have affected its dignity and imposing bearing. It kindly posed in profile long enough for me to take this portrait.

Three Sisters

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

Arches National Park in Utah has many wonderful rock formations, including over 2,000 natural arches and bridges, windows, spires, and balanced rocks. One of these formations is The Three Sisters spires shown here. The park is located in the high desert on the Colorado Plateau where it receives less than 10 inches of rain each year. Park geologists continually monitor the park’s terrain which looks rugged and tough, but it is, in reality, extremely fragile.

One Good Tern…

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

… deserves another.

These two Royal Terns were strolling along the beach together. They were in perfect step-for-step unison, black crowns swept back, beaks held high. Lookin’ good!

It was a fun photo, and I think all the more so finished in high key.

Empty Tracks

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

The rail ties are old and need replacing. The rails are rusting. The trains are gone. And this bridge, while it still crosses some unknown creek in Arkansas, no longer feels the rhythm of the rails.

Chicago

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

“Hog Butcher for the World,

Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat…

…City of the Big Shoulders:”

– Carl Sandburg

Carl Sandburg’s poem had wonderful imagery of this rough-and-tumble, tough, midwestern city “getting it done” for America. But that was a Chicago of a different time, the poem written over 100 years ago. Today’s Chicago is more a city of buildings that are taller and sleeker, but with shoulders that are no longer as broad.

Travelin’ Man

Black And White Photography, Don, Photography

I saw this gentlemen at the Port of Galveston. I don’t know where he had been or where he was headed, but Galveston Island and the whole coastal plain of Texas are flat, so his travel should not have been too onerous. And it looks as though he has everything he needs with him.