Category : Pilgrim’s Chronicles

O.K. it’s not Friday, but I just couldn’t wait. I was asked yesterday if there was one lens in my bag that I couldn’t imagine living without, yep, this is it, the Nikkor 70-300 AFS VR zoom. This little gem is not very expensive, and for that reason, many never learn of it’s sterling performance. Nikon’s new 70-200 AFS VR II f 2.8 zoom is a great pro piece of glass, it also cost over $2,200.
This little fellow weighs less than half as much, is smaller and is nearly as sharp, cost? Around $550. All of that means little unless the lens performs. Let me share a few images made with this lens, and let you judge for yourself:

Having the right gear when working in the field can make all the difference in getting the shot. While most often, you get what you pay for, it’s good to know that in some rare circumstances, bargains do exist! As long zooms go, this little sweetheart is definitely on that short list…….

Another great deal? A life long walk with Lord. Now that’s an even better deal………

the pilgrim

Please let me thank all of you so much for your prayers for my brother, Homer. On Saturday he underwent a heart cath to further determine what he was facing. The Doctors were shocked to find that what they feared was not warranted. While there were things for concern they were not nearly as severe as we had all feared. Not only am I extremely relieved, but overwhelmingly thankful. I’ve shared in the blog in the past about some of the wonderful answers to prayers I’ve experienced in the past, this one was just as incredible.

If you ever wondered what heaven will be like, this is a good clue. When brothers and sisters truly love one another because of their deep love for the Lord, they are there when they’re needed. It is truly amazing to know that while it is Jesus that has our backs, he uses each of us to stand in the gap for those in need. You guys sure did that for Homer and he greatly appreciates it, as do I. Homer is my only relative still living from our close family. I have often prayed that if someone in my family, including Sherelene, my kids and grandchildren has to go, please let it be me. Both Sherelene and I have experienced the loss of our mothers, fathers and grandparents, it is never easy to let them go. I sure didn’t want to loose my brother.

None of us knows when it will be time to go home. I pray that everyone within the range of my voice and internet connection makes those most important of all arrangements well in advance.
Accepting Christ is the most important act of life. Life is short, but eternity is forever.

Thank you again for your prayers and concerns, God is a loving father, He heard you and answered our prayers.

the pilgrim

*Photo note: The image above has nothing whatsoever to do with this entry, I just like it.
Nikon D700, 24-70 AFS lens HDR. I guess I love it because Ricky and I were shooting that morning in
Nashville together, and that is a great memory.

The future of photography for all of us includes video. Now I can hear some of you saying right now, I don’t care anything about video. I know, neither did I, but trust me you will. Does this mean that video will supplant still imaging? No, it means that as a visual story teller you are going to be adding moving images to still images to tell your stories.

Nothing will ever replace photography for that decisive moment image, but nothing can replace
video to show motion and action. The two approaches don’t have to be be enemies. I think some of the frustration comes from those that believe that adding video to a still camera means something else had to be taken out. Not true. Think of a camera that can shoot stills and video as a camera that camera that came with a extra super feature. Don’t think that DSLRs that shoot video are less capable than regular video cameras. Because we can use all our lenses and can fit our cameras in tighter spaces there is a lot you can do with HD DSLR. Television shows and movies have been shot with these wonderful new products!

It’s easy to write off any technology that we don’t understand and are intimidated by. I will admit that I was less than thrilled when we learned our company expected us to become videographers, editors, and producers of video presentations. I don’t feel that way anymore, I now am embracing one new skill I need to learn and enjoy the process of finding one more way to tell the story.

After all, as visual artists, that is our goal, tell the story.

The story on the image above? I’ve become a real fan of the Life Is Good company and their T-shirts. They are very comfortable and fit me great, however most of all I love wearing something
that sends such a positive message, because Life Is Good. God is Great and that’s why Life Is Good!

Have a great weekend,

the pilgrim

I’ve got a shirt from the company, Life is Good, on the front is Jake the character in their clothing leaning back in a camp chair, relaxed and smiling. The tag line is, “These are the good old days.”

I think it may be a trait of my
age to love old things from
our past. On the video assign-
ment yesterday we went over
to Santa Rosa to visit some
care makers and collectors.
The old cars, both wonderfully
restored and old rusted ones,
brought back great memories
of years gone by.

I was thinking coming back
in the car last night, how these
will someday be the Good Old Days for my grandchildren. Their memories of childhood and the ways things used to be, will be just like mine. In the scripture it says that lest you be like a little child you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What does that mean? I think it means that we’ve gotten too big for our britches. As adults we have strived to learn and understand and too often we believe if we are going to get ourselves out of any unpleasant situation, we must do it ourselves. That leaves no room for a omnipotent God. On the other hand, a child can be calmed in the greatest moment of fear, by the simple words, “I’m here, I will protect you.” The child believes in us so profoundly that we can actually take away their fears! Can we protect them from all harm? Unfortunately not.

The important thing is to believe so deeply in someone, that you “know” they can protect you. Thankfully, with God that is true. So if we become like little children and honestly trust in Him.
He will never let us down. Only one thing is required; believe, accept and enjoy……..

the pilgrim

*Photo note: All images, Nikon D3s and 24-70 AFS VR lens.