The Camera Lies - Ian Grey's Journal

Luna

2010-01-24T07:25:00.003-04:00

So, my wife and I picked up our newly adopted rescue dog (australian shepherd mix) today and made the 2+ hour trek home with her and our 12 year old shi-tzu, Moonshadow, in tow. Moon is nothing if not tolerant and, while only showing a cursory interest in the new dog, being true to his nature he is wonderfully "tolerant" of Luna. I think it's only a matter of time before I post pics of them playing.

I should note that Luna came up to New England from Missouri, so including our little trip home she was on the road for nearly 48 hours; most of that in a crate. This and the fact that she was spayed a day-and-a-half before her trip made for a stressed, nervous and "lost" looking dog. Her first act when coming off of the transport trailer was to lean hard into our legs; a sort of dog hug.

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It has been a little more than 12 hours since Luna has "come home". In that time she has settled in nicely. She already knows where her bed is and has understandably spent a lot of time on it. Her appetite is healthy and she no longer has a lost look in her eyes.

In everything Luna does there is a gentleness and honesty. And unlike dogs that walk with their nose to the ground, this little girl walks with her head held up. And given her good leash manners, I daresay she looks graceful at times.

A lot of credit for this dog's mental and physical well being goes to Sue of New England All Breed Rescue. It is obviously apparent that Luna spent time in a gentle, loving foster home. For that I am grateful. Many thanks, Sue.

My Circle Of Life

2010-01-16T23:39:00.009-04:00

The Universe has seen fit to make me a grandpa. Add to that, circumstances have colluded to bring a new young dog into my life, for which I am awaiting word that she is healthy and ready to travel the many miles to New England from Missouri. The boy (my step-grandson) is healthy and beautiful. The dog, well, she is also a new part of my circle of life. (See Yule Tidings)

His name is Payten.

And she will be called Luna.

It is my understanding that Luna loves children. It is my hope that they love each other. For that matter, it is my greatest hope that we (Payten's family) all love each other, for that is the boy's best chance for a successful future.

Blessed Be, Wicca

2009-12-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

It's been more than a year since her passing. She died from a disease that left her beautiful mind, but took her body inch by inch. It was an inglorious way to go. Yet, as with all that she faced in her 12 1/2 years of life, she suffered her demise with gentleness, courage and humor.

I found her in a dog pound when she was a 43lb 10 month old puppy. Ironically, after a week of intensive searching, she turned out to be a spur of the moment, second choice. The Gods were looking out for me when I picked her.

In her short life, she spent 5 1/2 years as a therapy dog, escorting me and my clients (cancer patients) to their appointments. She made even the toughest, longest rides bearable and even comical at times.

There are too many stories and not enough time. She was a brilliant, trusting spirit with a gentle sense of humor and I am a much better person for having known her. May the Gods hold and keep you, my Baby-girl.

Wicca

February 18, 1996 - September 10, 2008

Hummingbirds of Florida Mountain

2009-12-20T21:03:00.000-04:00

I shoot hummingbirds every summer here in the mountains in Massachusetts. I find them to be highly intelligent and quite personable, with each bird having a unique personality. For me it is an intense time where I am behind the camera usually from sunup to sundown for 4-6 weeks. In that time I get to know the resident male for that period and, if I'm lucky, I can train him and hopefully he doesn't get kicked out by a more aggressive, less trainable male.

The summer of 2007 was an incredible season, which saw a very trainable male grace my yard for approximately 3 weeks. No matter what flower I asked him to go to, he would check it out allowing me to get at least a few shots. I got the feeling I could have asked him to check out a baked ham and he would of, lol . After a short while my camera equipment and I became just another of his perches, where he would sit between feedings. I tried not to encourage him to perch on me, thinking a little fear of humans is probably a good thing for him to have. But I must admit, every time he landed on me it took my breath away (Seriously, I would have to remind myself to breathe, lol.). Here he is feeding from my hand:

And here he is in action:

So it was with high hopes that I entered the 2008 season, but success was to prove elusive. Turns out the resident male for that season was a highly aggressive, "unfriendly" male. He was nearly impossible to get a shot of and he attacked and chased away nearly every hummingbird that entered the property. He also had a square head, lol. Here he is:

The time wasn't a complete waste for me. I did manage to get a few shots of this female (note: she's doing her part for dandelion propagation ):

Still, in spite of the few photos I was able to get, my frustrations mounted. They were only alleviated one day when an apparently wise hummingbird visited the yard. Instead of going directly to the feeders or flowers (like all of the others) he sought out the resident male, chased him out of the yard and then went to the feeders, lol. Smart. Here he is:

Alas, this male was only passing through and shortly after this photo old "square head" came back to claim his territory. After only a few more days of frustration I called it a season.

The summer of 2009 was, unfortunately, dedicated to much needed home improvement. I was only able to shoot on one day. Although that was the bad news, the good news is that old "square head" didn't come back.

So, it is renewed hope that I look forward to the summer of 2010 and the arrival of the hummingbirds. For more of Ian's hummingbirds, visit here.

Peace & Hope

2009-11-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

I often find my greatest lessons learned come from those around me who live the toughest lives and yet can still smile. For those people there is hope that things will get better. And it's not a false hope; life is ever evolving and the opportunities for positive change, while not always plentiful, are out there.

So with that in mind, and in paying forward the gifts the gentleman above has given me, I wish you all peace and hope.

Eat And Run

2007-05-01T00:48:00.000-04:00

Meet "Nessie" the otter. Nessie is a boy otter who spent the better part of eight days dining in the pond in our back yard. He ate fish and crayfish mostly, often under the steady gaze of my camera. Sometimes as close as 15 ft away, he expressed a curiousity and, at the same time, I believe a bit of disdain for my presence. Still, that didn't put a damper on his appetite. Watching him eat crawdads was at times exciting and other times comical.

It's good to know that the ecosystem around here is strong enough to support river otters. They're amzing creatures to watch up close and I have been fortunate enough to spend some hours with one. more of NESSIE

Life on the Mountain

2007-04-28T22:32:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've written, so I guess it's about time. Since "Shooting Humans" over a year ago I have continued in that endeavor, becoming a sports shooter for the some of the local schools (mainly for one college) and (sporadically) for the local newspaper. I also continue to photograph nature, flowers and hummingbirds in particular. Last summer turned out to be a breakthrough season for my hummingbird photography (more HUMMINGBIRDS)
and newer, better equipment has helped me become known for my sport shooting ability (sports galleries )

Photography is still what I do. If I'm not taking pictures I'm at home processing them, or printing them. Hopefully I'll be sharing my photos with you on a more regular basis. For now enjoy this picture of a frog who thinks he's king of the world :-).

Shooting Humans

2006-01-05T04:25:00.000-04:00

I don't normally shoot humans; especially if they know they're being shot at. I'd rather shoot bugs, hell, even animals. One of my nicknames is even Bug Hunter. Well, now you can also call me Human Hunter.
My quarry this time are high school kids; girls, to be exact, ages 13-18. Fortunately, they're not as fast as the boys, so it's a little easier to get that perfect shot. Tonight I'll bag my limit.
The boys are tomorrow night. They run fast and jump high. And if one should see me out of the corner of his eye, he'll run even faster and jump even higher. And you can bet I'll catch him mid-flight. And you can bet he'll be happy I did. more on HS Basketball

Missing That Buzz

2006-01-03T04:25:00.000-04:00

As I look outside it's snowing, adding to the whiteness that already surrounds the house. It's a beautiful sight, and then...
I miss the hummingbirds. There was something kind of magic about them. The way they would buzz around me and my camera, sometimes hovering an inch or two from my head. One impatient female (pictured) even fed from between my outstretched fingers as I set up the feeder. I hope I never forget the feeling of her tiny wings gently beating against the palm of my hand. I hope I get the chance to feel that again.
You see, the snow is more than beautiful. It's a reminder that one day the snow will come for me, and I too will disappear like the hummingbirds. Before that happens I hope to be around these fascinating beings many more times. more HUMMINGBIRDS

Lit Faerie

2005-12-29T14:32:00.000-04:00

My new lens arrived yesterday. see Portraits It was here when I got home last night. Couldn't wait to start shooting and since it was supposed to be good in low light I thought I'd put it through it's paces. I like that the lens is fast enough (above) to freeze the candle flicker and that the color is true.

This shot is of a garden faerie that "lives" among the many plants in our house. I'm not a knick-knacky type person, but there's something about this particular piece that seems hopeful and innocent. So I thought I would share it with you.

Dying in Paradise

2005-12-27T23:03:00.000-04:00

Today was a late appointment that had us coming back through the valley at sunset. With my client's blessing I stopped and took this picture of the mountain where I make my home. Looking at it, I'm reminded that where we both live is widely considered to be a northern paradise and an artists' sanctuary.

I bring my dog, a 60 pound shepherd cross. She's a wonderful ambassador. She breaks down barriers that I couldn't even approach. She's well behaved, interested in my clients, and affectionate when invited to be so. She makes the really tough trips bearable. It's good - no, it's great work.

I drive cancer patients to their appointments as a volunteer. Because of chemo, radiation, etc., they're not allowed to drive themselves. Many of these people are elderly or disabled shut-ins, without much money or family. They're most often not in a position of empowerment, relying on the good graces of the system, friends and strangers like me. I have the honor of speaking to these people for hours, good folks who didn't get the breaks most of us did. I receive the benefit of their perspective and wisdom. I am the lucky one here. volunteer

Portraits

2005-12-27T04:53:00.001-04:00

I just ordered a new lens for my Canon, an 85mm, f1.8. This will be a great lens for indoor sports and portraits. And although I'm excited about the prospect of shooting both, right now it's the portraits that I'm fixed on. Human faces are wondereful landscapes of light and shadow; each one different, each scar a landmark. And with this particular lens I can stand back and take nice tight shots in an effort to capture the soul that formed this face. See more portraits.

Training Dogs (or Psych 101 Pt.1)

2005-12-27T03:01:00.000-04:00

Here is some advice I didn't give to a friend. I thought better of it at the time. Still, I think it is sound, and if it works for you...

So here’s what I know about anger: 1) It is a destructive force. Don’t deny it from your life; it is also a necessary tool. 2) Anger can be harnessed (like heat) and used to one’s benefit. Still, it requires fuel (great energy) and is a drain (negative force) in the long run. 3) Do not fuel your anger. You are inviting destruction into your life. Deal with it as it comes. 4) Whenever possible (necessary), use your angry energy to effect positive change (solve problems). Train yourself. 5) It is not wrong to express anger. It is healthy when done properly and often the most direct route to solving a problem, when dealing with, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, people who are reasonable (For “How to Deal With Unreasonable People”, learn how to train a dog. I’m not being degrading, dogs are great behavioralists!).

Raven's Curiosities

2005-12-26T22:14:00.002-04:00

In my world of artisans, there is one jewelry maker I am especially enamored with. So much so that I've taken to photographing some of her pieces and putting them on my site. Her name is Isabella Raven and she designs beaded jewelry. And although she's been doing it for many years, she's new to the area and new to the internet. So, consider this an introduction and an invitation to go see some of her work. Raven's jewelry.

Killer Bug!

2005-12-26T17:16:00.000-04:00

I love to photograph bugs. With my trusty macro lenses I can make the tiniest little bug look like a giant dinosaur. This little guy is one of only a few interesting bugs that I have photographed so far. For more pics see Killer Baby

Impeccable Oils

2005-12-26T06:24:00.000-04:00

MORNING

J. Richards Jr. or "Skeets" is a man I met over the summer. His show at the Adams Town Hall Gallery preceded mine. He is a big, friendly man who loves to paint (and it shows) and will play the banjo for you if you ask him nicely. He is a detail man, meaning his paintings are intensely detailed, yet each piece is a reflection of simpler times. There is a great deal of comfort to be found in Skeets' art if only you look... Skeets' Paintings

Penises, Pubic Hair and Fallopian Tubes

2005-12-26T05:15:00.000-04:00

These are words used to describe this picture of a close-up of an African Violet. Some of the people who uttered these words actually own one. This image was so disturbing to some that a local bank asked me to remove it. Other words used:

"OBSCENE", "SHAMEFUL", "DISGUSTING"

It is also the 3rd best selling image (of dozens) this author has to offer. Go figure.

Orchids!

2005-12-25T11:02:00.000-04:00

A friend and business partner introduced me to a woman about an hour away who has a green house full of hundreds of orchids. She has agreed to let me photograph them. Incredible! I've included a pic of one of them. These flowers range in size from barely visible to bigger than a softball. One actually looks like a klingon war ship! I will be shooting that flower next. more Flowers

Yule Tidings

2005-12-24T21:30:00.000-04:00

I was raised Catholic but it didn't take. Too much that didn't sound right to me. After more than 20 years of thinking I would be a religion of one I finally found out I was Wiccan. I say found out because I had already been practicing for years. One of those practices was an observance of the Winter Solstice. I didn't call it Yule. It didn't have a name.

It was and is an observance of the closing of the circle of life, the end of the beginning and a new starting point for the future. So with this in mind, I wish you all a peaceful ending and a hopeful future.

Flowers and Cameras

2005-12-24T16:09:00.000-04:00

I love flowers and, as it turns out, I love cameras too. The two came together about 2 years ago. Now it's what I do. Really, it's one of the things I enjoy doing as a photographer who specializes in Macro photography. The job requires a lot of strained eyes and muscles, but I love it. And, with the help of friends and fans I have built a small following where I live. For a better picture of what I do, click here: IGP home

I live on a mountaintop in western New England where it is cold and snow covered nearly 6 months of the year. Yet, year round it is breathtakingly beautiful. I hope to start sharing this beauty with you soon.