Monthly Archives: December 2013

Most of 2013 I have been learning a new system, the Fuji X System.  My first exposure to Fuji was an X10 that I picked up as a light, easy to carry, walk around camera at the beginning of my shoulder issues.  I was shocked by the results I was getting from the little X10, in fact the only thing I wasn’t thrilled with was the noise above ISO 800.  Then Fuji came to the rescue with the X-E1!   I’ll spare you the rest, but as you know I own a ton of X System goodies, and over this year have really enjoyed my results.  As you know I’m a generalist, and this light system has worked well for me.  Here are some of my favorites from the year’s take!

I love everything about this stuff, the color, the lens quality, and the wonderful monochromes right out of the camera!  At the end of this year, I’ve had more fun shooting,  gotten better results, and have less shoulder pain than ever before!  Can’t wait for 2014!

Blessings,

the pilgrim

Couldn’t help it, a few more!

As Christmas grows near and we rush about buying gifts for those we love, I want to share something I feel led to address.  When I was a young child my parents were very giving and loving and went way over the top providing sumptuous Christmas mornings for my brother Homer, and I.   I know they did it out of love, but for many years it had a negative affect on me.  Christmas became all about what I was going to get!  I have some very bad memories about a few times that I was disappointed and handled it badly.  I was young but I was also spoiled and I lost all sight of the meaning of giving.  When I grew up and got married I followed their path for a while, then it dawned on me just how misguided such emphasis on the material aspects of Christmas was.   I’m not against giving gifts, I’m against loosing sight of why we really celebrate the day!  Maybe one of the only great things about growing older is maturity runs you down, and  forces you to grow up, and see things in life in a much different way.

The highlight of my Christmas now is the candlelight service depicted above in our church Christmas Eve.  We sing traditional Christmas hymns and then, as we sing Silent Night, we light candles and the sanctuary is aglow with the light of His love. I now know that He was the greatest gift ever given to the World!

Blessings,

the pilgrim

Sorry about that, couldn’t help myself!  I get questions very often, via email, and phone calls and I thought it might be fun to share them with all of you!  You never know, others may have the same questions.

Question:  I thought you retired, you don’t seem to have slowed down your schedule very much!?

Answer:   When I was a much younger man I knew a postal letter carrier that walked about 10 miles a day with a heavy leather bag of letters to deliver.  When he got to retirement age he was still very fit, and active.  He retired, sat down on his front porch and watched the traffic go by, within a year he had died.  His body just stopped, I’d rather be in the traffic than watch it go by!   I am home more, but I want to remain active, and do the things I love, like teach workshops, speak to photo groups, play with the grandchildren, and enjoy more time with Sherelene, I’m still busy, but I’m also taking more time to catch my breath!!

Question: After part of a year of shooting the Fuji X System what do you miss about your Nikons?

Answer:   I spent the better part of my life holding a Nikon camera, and shooting Nikkor glass, and at first it just seemed strange to be using anything else.  I didn’t have a choice though on carrying heavy full frame bodies, and lenses, so I had to get use to the new gear.  I guess the biggest thing is the psychological change.  I don'[t miss the weight, and I love the image quality and retro design of the Fuji X System.  It seems odd, but having to slow down and work like I did in the early days I think has improved my photography.  I’m sure that’s why Nikon came out with the new Df retro camera body!  If it was lighter, and the lenses were lighter it would be very attractive to me, but this new way of shooting is working out very well.  It’s not the camera, but the photographer that makes the difference, I’m just trying to be a better photographer!!

Question: I notice you are offering a trip to Ireland this coming year, are more international locations coming?

Answer:   Yes, I’m looking at some other locations for the future, Tuscany is one, and maybe some other European locations too,  like Switzerland, still working on the ideas!  A Holy Land tour is also something I want to do for sure.

Sure hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving Weekend, mine was fantastic.  My son Scott, his wife Diane, and their children, (well young adults), Ben and Hannah came up from Saint Augustine to join all the rest of our family for 4 days of great fellowship together!  We had a great time, we don’t get to do that more than a couple of times a year, so it was really special for Sherelene and I!  I pray you had a wonderful time with your families as well!!

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Come on guys let’s get real!!!!!!!

I was listening to Mike & Mike this morning while running some errands and couldn’t believe a story they ran.  It seems that when Auburn upset Alabama in the big game Saturday and the Alabama kicker missed three critical field goals, that fans sent ugly, nasty, demeaning tweets to him.  I agree with Mike & Mike that this is disgusting, shameful behavior by people that are supposed to be adults!  Hey i’m a Bama fan and I was disappointed but, “Knock, knock” it’s a game!!!!!!  When is our society going to learn to take things that aren’t that serious, less seriously, and start taking things that are really serious, seriously!!!  Come on guys, get a life…….

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Winter Clearance!

It’s that time of year when I keep a promise to myself.  Photography gear is to be used not placed on the shelf.  So I have several things that are not being used anymore, so for the bargain hunters out there, first emails accepting any of these offers will get stuff shopped out, I can take credit cards over the phone, if interested.  I’ve tried to price mine as good values based on used prices on ebay and at B&H.

I have a 16-35 f4 AF-S VR  in Mint condition with caps and hood for $850.

My 24-120 AF-S VR f4 lens is Mint minus and I’m asking $800.  complete will all caps and hood.

I also have a 60mm Micro Nikkor f 2.8 AF, the older, sharper version in Excellent Condition.     Asking $300.

I just recently purchased the new Fuji XE-2 and have  my X-E1 Black body in mint condition, up for sale, box, and all, mint condition,   $400.  

Paid $1,000. just 9 months ago!  Has very latest firmware.

Well guys, first come first serve, via email.

Probably more clearance items to come!

Blessings,

the pilgrim