37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors

through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither

death nor life, neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

- Romans 8:37-39

Together forever!

The annual cousins family reunion was this past weekend. 

We enjoyed meeting a new little addition to the family.

Family is so important to us.  No it never works for everyone

to be there each time at this annual event, because, you see,

sometimes they have family plans also. 

I am reminded of this bible verse that no matter what gets in the way,

God still loves me, and nothing can separate me from his love.

The same goes for family.  We have busy lives these days,

and it seems we never have enough time to spend with each other.

But, nothing can separate us from the love of one another.

Love to all, Norm

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Trust in the Lord always,

for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

~ Isaiah 26:4, NLT
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Country Churches

I love to photgraph country churches.

There is something so right about the setting, I guess.

Some of the churches seem

to be the one thing in the picture that relates our faith

to what God has painted before us.

The typical country church stands as a beacon to all who pass,

guiding them "home" to his love and forgiveness.

As we head out to get in the last "fling till spring" this

Labor Day weekend, let us not forget to glance up

once in a while, and be thankful for what we enjoy in this great country.

Enjoy, and be safe. 

Go Big Red!

Love to all, Norm.

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1There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

2a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

4a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war an a time for peace.

Eclesiaties 3:1-8 NIV

A Time for Everything

Fall season is approaching.  We see the crops drying and maturing in the fields,

and leaves starting to turn.  Life is like that.  Seasons come and go. 

That makes us aware of our own bodies, and the mortal humans that we are.

I look at my own children, and observe how they have matured

into responsible adults, and my grandchildren, who are

all changing before my very eyes.

I look at my father and step mother,  who are into the later stages of this life.

Dad has been such a guiding beacon to me in so many ways.

The photographer has such an opportunity to capture this annual turn of events!

I look forward to this time of year so much.  My wife knows it is my favorite time of year.

I may take longer walks with God, or her, or both! 

The crispness of the air.  The color changes that take place so dramaticly and quickly.

The combines and trucks rolling.  The football games.

The bon fires and family cookouts.

All favorites of mine.

Then there is the chilli soup!  I married her for that you know!

Love to all, Norm

Oh, and Go Bearcats!

 

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Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 

For in the same way you judge others,

you will be judged,

and with the measure you use,

it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

Emotions at Arlington.

       As I watched the burial proceedings on television for Ted Kennedy, I was taken back to my last visit to Arilngton National Cemetery.  I was attending a business meeting in Washingto D. C., and had set aside a portion of one day to look around on my own.  I ended up spending 3/4 of the day photographing this hallowed ground called Arlington Cemetery.

       One can not visit these places without being in sheer awe at the acres and acres of grave markers.  Several thousand fallen heroes, and fitting memorials close by to honor them and those that will surely follow.  I had lost a friend from high school in the Viet Nam conflict, and had always made a promise to myself to be able to come see the Wall Memorial, and also this giant resting place across the river.

       The friend was a classmate, and had left his comrads in the 101st Airborn Division, friends and family far too soon in life.  You see, Gary was not layed to rest at Arlington.  But the Wall memorial reflection of his name etched in stone will be forever a photo in my mind!  So much sacrificed for the rest of us. 

       I was snapping photo after photo. I had walked nearly every corner of the cemetery. I was working my way back, when a horse drawn team with riders in escort came into view across the way.  I soon realized what I was witnessing was indeed another graveside burial service for yet another fallen hero.  I paused and my heart pounded in my chest.  It is another thing entirely to witness this in the stillness of that holy place.  I must admit I shed a couple of tears right there.

http://nicholsonphotoimages.com/site/#/gallery/washington-dc/img-0014/

       I know the pictures I captured that day will be timeless, and forever help pay tribute to all those lives honored.  The things that stick with me are the emotions I experienced, and continue to feel when I view those shots of one of the best experiences of my life.

       Nature photography is like that.  You not only get to be there for the emotion of each shot, but you get taken back there each time you view your work!  Just maybe it helps a bit somehow to someone who is also still hurting.

       Goodby Ted.  Rest in peace Gary!
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Love to all, Norm

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I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race.

I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

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Just like riding a bike!

       I watched the space shuttle take of for another 13 day mission to the International Space Station live on the Internet last night from my study at home. How did we get to this point? I certainly remember that day (July 20, 1969) when we first stepped on the moon.

       It seems that since then we have become so accustomed to seeing and hearing about the space thing, that it has just become "old hat". What a marvel it remains to me! I know I am not alone, but to my grand children and many more, this space station thing has been up there forever!

       My younger brother and I worked long hours at small change jobs a couple of summers to finally save up enough to purchase a bicycle . What a nice feeling to be able to pay for something yourself, and then take care of it. We both shared the bike, and had allot of fun with it.

       The thing I remember most was that FIRST RIDE on the new bike! It was quite something for both of us I am sure. That seems to be similar to the first rocket ride, or that first "...small step for man", and was truly a "...giant leap for mankind" in my mind.

       The picture I am trying to create here is one of wonder at first steps, but how we take walking for granted as our child grows up. Both are not small miracles, and we have only God and our parents to thank!

       I would love to be able to take the photographs we see from outer space, or of the shuttle leaving the launch pad, but for now, I will settle for just being able to see at all! Thank you Lord.

Make this another day of small miracles,

http://nicholsonphotoimages.com/site/#/gallery/barns/barsunset1/

and remember to hug your family!

Love to all, Norm

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This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NLT

Foggy Friday!

http://nicholsonphotoimages.com/site/#/gallery/sunset-sunrise/foggy-morn-0128/

I love the way the fog sets in through the low places,

and the sun peaking out above it.

These kind of days were meant for my Canon and I!

I could have taken at least a thousand snapshots that day.

I sat motionless and just listened. Far off I could here them.

Wild turkeys calling to each other in the crisp March early morning.

I managed to stretch out across the log in front of me and lay

for what seemed hours, waiting.

The fog was actually worsening and sort of drizzling, but

every so often you could see a small hint of sunlight

peek through the tree tops.

I had chosen a spot of dense overgrowth to make my "blind".

I longed for the big tom turkey that was so vocal, to come close

enough to step into the clearing in front of me,

and allow me to take my shot.

Of course, you know by now, when I say shot,

I am referring to shooting my camera!

I have not hunted with a gun

recently. That takes away from time I

could spend taking pictures!

Then it happened! All of a sudden the light from above came

streaming down in a spot just in front and to the left a bit from me.

The biggest tom turkey I have seen for some years entered the clearing. He seemed to like the sunlight as much as I did.

I was able to snap several shots, and catch that

iridescent color they sport as he lifted his head, and fanned his tail.

http://nicholsonphotoimages.com/site/#/gallery/birds/01231/

The wait had been well worth it.

http://nicholsonphotoimages.com/site/#/gallery/birds/0119/

The bad side effects for me were the worst case of Poison Ivy I think I have ever had, and sore joints and back from almost 4 hours of waiting in anticipation!

Well, thanks for joining me in the turkey stand.

Lets go again sometime!

Love to all, Norm

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Thank you.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love

will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

~ Psalm 23:6, NLT

Reflections

They say photography is all about light. I think that is, for the most part, very true. However, it is much deeper than that. The goal is to catch the light and the reflection! By that I mean not just the reflecting light, but the mood and the emotion, so to speak, creating a message about the subject.

I know this sounds rather vague, but this is the very essence of great photography, and remains the challenge to anyone looking through a lens. Small children photos are great examples of challenges in good reflection photography. Just try shooting pictures of them, and you will learn quickly that the right facial expressions and mood determine the outcome!

The great Ansel Adams was so aware of the subject when he captured great shots of our landscape. He was very concerned about the "message" of his results, and had a talent to recognize the correct composition and position to capture reflected light in such a way that it "spoke" volumes to the viewer. His photographs remain excellent timeless reminders of God's beauty reflected in nature!

That is what I am talking about. Being able to catch that perfect light, in a perfect setting, with the perfect mood, on the perfect subject matter. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, I am here to tell you it takes years of mistakes to learn the correct technique. I have not mastered it by any means, but 50 more years or so of practice, and maybe I will come close! Close to capturing that perfect shot. The shot that reflects God's face!

Have a great day Reflecting His love to all around you.

Love to all, Norm.

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