A few months ago, someone came across this blog and posted the patterns page elsewhere online. That site seems to be a spam target – since then I have been inundated with everything from groupon ads to pornography, and in about as many languages as flavors of spam.
Since that site posting, I have a lot of hits from people coming to download and leech the patterns – and no one, absolutely not a single person, has said “thank you” – just a wham-bam, take ’em all. However, the person who posted the pattern page got a thank-you!
So, this brings me to give some thought about even writing a blog. In reality, it is for me. It is my collection of thoughts and links – my own encyclopedia and directory to people and places I enjoy. I don’t expect to have followers – and those who do, I really am flattered! – but I also think that we all should remember we are connecting with people over the internet, anonymous as that world is.
In the meanwhile, I keep trying out different photography software. Currently, I am testing out Nik’s Silver Efex 2. I really like the controls it has, and how it moves seamlessly out of Photoshop and Lightroom. I am probably overdoing the B&W on a number of pictures, but that is something I expect I will learn to temper.
In painting, drawing, design, it seems so easy to balance compositional elements! Photography, though, is another story altogether. What you see is what you get. Then you have to choose – through judicious use of software (as well as hours spent learning it!) – what to keep, what to discard, what to tone down, what focus upon, how to draw the eye.
I have another 13 days of the free trial of Silver Efex. I like what I see so far. And, with a week off from work for Thanksgiving (furlough days, such fun!), I think I should be able to do a few things besides eat.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
I love your pictures, you have an artist’s eye, and capture the beauty & mystery of nature beautifully! Leechers & spammers, however, should be hung by their toes over an open fire…well, you get my point!
Thanks, Kathy! I appreciate your comment – and while I was venting about the pattern leechers and the spam, I always enjoy hearing from anyone who reads this little blog. Thanks for coming by and leaving a note! –N
As an erstwhile amateur photographer (I guess my picture taking days died with 35mm film… my Leica M3 is now a conversation piece), and current shufa student, I always smile when I get an email saying you have posted something or other in your blog. Keep at it! Some of us really enjoy your insights.
WindpeoplesJorge – thanks, too, for coming by. I appreciate knowing I am appreciated! I always enjoy hearing from people – and I know you have been by before – so thanks, again, for letting me know you are out there! And, on an aside, I hope to do some ink this week – time, finally, to focus, relax, breathe! –N
I too am a follower who came to find your blog as a beginning sumi-e student. I do miss new sumi-e information and videos but I still enjoy your photography. I am thinking about getting a SLR Canon with long lens for some bird and nature photography but am completely new to this except for a point and shoot camera. Is it a mistake to get a long lens right away? Would you get a Canon? I had a Canon Eos that used film a long time ago that I really liked but mainly used on automatic..AM also new to software but was thinking about Photo elements? What do you think. Hope you don’t mind my questions. Linda (Sorry about that spam etc. Too bad one doesn’t have all the control one needs on the internet)
Hi Linda – thanks for coming by. I have thought of setting up some new videos on sumi-e, but the truth is, they are really time consuming. I was playing with them more than anything. I have not been painting as much as I would like of late – the photography is a big focus, but the good thing is I get outdoors more than when I spend hours painting. As far as photography, there are a lot of nice systems out there. I would suggest maybe taking a beginning DSLR class after you get one – and get one with interchangeable lenses, and one with good reviews. Used may be a good place to begin. A long lens is a challenge, such as a 300mm. I have some good zooms – nearly all my lenses are zooms (changing in length) – but I am in agreement that good glass is a must. Maybe you could rent some different cameras and find out? Don’t know how expensive they are to rent, but it may be worth your time. As you know with sumi-e, good equipment makes the job a lot nicer! Thanks for coming by! –N