Window, Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, Grand Detour, Illinois

I couldn't help but be taken in by the autumn reflection.

Stone Altar

Walls Not Steps

My first DSLR...Pentax K-5

I cannot begin to explain how much thought, research, and penny pinching went into my choice for my first digital single lens reflex camera. However, what I can tell you is that it boiled down to two contenders; the Nikon D7000 & the Pentax K-5. Both have weather sealing, both are APS-C sensor cameras; each manufacturer are well respected, and each would fill the bill for a given generalized set of features.

My main interest in photography is not video. Granted, the Nikon D7000 has the edge in that regard. I predominately capture still images; advantage Pentax. I like to enlarge my photos and don't want to worry about cropping when printing a 8x10. The Pentax allows for in-camera conversion to a 4:3 aspect ratio. The Nikon D7000 does not allow for this.

Oh, and did I mention that Pentax beats Nikon in this class for overall image quality? Look at the online reviews for yourself. Moreover, the K-5 body has built in Shake Reduction, thereby making any lens attached, image stabilized. No need to compensate with VR or IS lenses from other companies. It also was a point in Pentax's favor that there is a $300 USD instant rebate on the K-5. "Bang for the buck" doesn't hurt a bit.

I can't say enough good things about this camera along with its DA 18-135 WR & 21mm Limited prime lenses that were chosen to accompany it. Nor, can I do anything but recommend this combination to a serious photo enthusiast or professional. Furthermore, let me put a plug in for "Doctor" Dave Seigel and the staff at Camera Craft in Rockford, Illinois. He was a delight to speak with concerning all my questions regarding the K-5.

Steel Vice (Industrial Abstract)

Steel Vice II (Industrial Abstract)

Hole In The Sky

Oil Cans and Funnel

Tony Bannon: Contemplative Photography and Thomas Merton

Tony Bannon: Contemplative Photography and Thomas Merton

Golgotha Redux

Inspiration is a funny thing, I never know when it will arrive or where it goes. This shot is an example of that.

Contemplative Photography as an Act of Faith Diane Walker

This slideshow was presented by Contemplative Photographer Diane Walker at Seattle University's 2011 Pacific Northwest Spirituality Book Festival. Diane is currrently Exhibitions Director for ECVA.org, and has served as the Director of Communications for the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, as an instructor at the Diocesan School of Theology in Seattle, and as a licensed lay preacher. Her poems, photos and meditations may be found at contemplativephotography.com and contemplativepoetry.com

Square Layers (Miksang Shapes & Textures)

Tire Tracks (Miksang Texture)

X Trax (Miksang Texture)

Treads (Miksang Shapes & Space)

The Space Between

Examining spacial relations and the space between.

Stan Zrnich: The Spirituality of the Photograph

Stan Zrnich is a noted photographer of mid-twentieth century gelatin silver prints. He is an alumnus of the California School of Fine Arts and is a protege of Ansel Adams, Minor White, and Edward Weston. Mr.Zrnich is represented by Smith Andersen North Art Gallery, San Anselmo, California, www.smithandersennorth.com. To purchase prints by Mr. Zrnich, please contact Stefan Kirkeby.

Bird House, Picket Fence, and Church



Miksang - Contemplative Photography

Miksang contemplative photography, The Quiet Mind Series

Your Moment of Zen

Where are you?

Here.

What time is it?

Now.

Discover paradox, humor and change through visual alchemy.

The Eternal Indian a.k.a. Chief Black Hawk statue

2011 marks the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Lorado Taft's monolithic cement statue, "The Eternal Indian." Better known as the Chief Black Hawk statue. Located in the picturesque Rock River valley, his gaze has been overlooking the Sauk / Fox region of north western Illinois between Oregon and Byron for more than a century.

I wanted to try to capture something of the antique nature of this icon, hence the sepia tone filter.