Want to be creative?

consider Scott Bourne's suggestions

how to survive as a street photographer

Tips from a good one, Eric Kim.

concert shots

I'm continuing to explore and learn my Leica at every possible opportunity. Last week it was at granddaughter, Anna's, school concert. I'm having fun comparing color with B&W. Take a look at the last two photos -- which do you prefer? All shots were taken with the M9 & Voigtlander's f/1.8 75mm lens wide open.

What do you want to be?

You can become a master of your craft, or you can 'just wanna take pics'... either is fine. Just don't confuse them as being the same.

from Twitter via @wizwow & @kirktuckphoto

Thou shalt not ...

Thou shalt not purchase gear for which thou hast no specific application.

Read a great essay about this.

the quality of photography

Isn't it amazing how photography has advanced without improving?

painter/photographer Charles Sheeler via Kirk Tuck

You DO have the right to photograph Federal buildings!

Copy & carry this with you.

Pray, Rehearse, and Praise

PRAY

after Mass

REHEARSE

back to work rehearsing

take five

when rehearsing gets too serious

Kenneth DeJong 

PRAISE

45 minutes before the concert -- would the pews be filled?

The reason for concern: cold & blizzard strength winds

sing & play -- and they will come

Narrator Rev. Richard Collman

Benediction by Br. Benet

The concert concluded with an amazing postlude improvisation by Paul Klemme

The 2012 retreat will be January 19-11.

Work, Pray, and Play

WORK

Most of the musicians attending the retreat at Blue Cloud Abbey last weekend participated in the concluding concert on Sunday. The title of the concert was Music of Creation, led by conductor Kenneth DeJong of Bellevue, Washington, and organist Paul Klemme of Salem, Oregon. Rehearsals started early in the weekend.

PRAY

PLAY

The evening concluded with the musicians taking turns demonstrating their talents, not all of which were musical.

Brother Benet read one of his short stories with an excellent Irish accent.

Concert pianist Eugene Gienger

Conductor Kenneth DeJong demonstrated the dryness of South Dakota by making water disappear. Next year we will ask him to do the same with the snow.

Father Michael played two Native American flutes.
more to follow

music seminar

The first music seminar I attended last weekend at Blue Cloud Abbey was led by an experienced musician and organist, Rev. Richard Collman, who is also an oblate of St. Benedict, associated with Blue Cloud Abbey. He shared old and new music available for church musicians by passing around various collections as well as individual works. By playing excerpts he made it come alive. Below are some photos.

Rev. Collman

comparing notes

Who knew church music could be so much fun?

Fr. Chris Uehlein played portions of his newly published sonatina

Concert pianist, Eugene Gienger, played samples of various arrangements

even the Sisters of Saint Benedict seemed pleased

more to follow