Moments: Capture.Relive.Charish

There are days when I get lost in photographs from a time past. I know this was taken just a few weeks ago, but I can mentally go there and get lost in those moments. This photo takes me back to Yosemite and a walk we took there.   

Our family just expereinced a different type of moment as my son and his wife gave birth to their second child. We think of all of our daughter-in-laws as our daughters, and I am aware that she did all the work. We were all absorbed in the moment on Monday, as we awaited his safe arrival. This is our seventh grandchild, and the first grandson. The moment of his arrival, like each of the other six, has been special moments in our life. Teresa and I are so excited, as we always are. We have another one due to arrive later this year. That will be number eight. We love every one of them. They bring smiles, tears, happiness, and joy. 

Moments in time, both places and events, are a big part of the human experience. We long for those moments that endure in our memories. Capturing those moments in video or photos enhances the moment, and brings our memories to life. Maybe that is what attracts me to photography, even more than the vivid colors, shapes and geometry. 

Enjoy every moment ... life is too short to miss one.  

~ Rick

---

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

A big rock with a view

El Capitan ... over 3000 vertical feet of solid rock. Most of the photos you see of El Cap do not include this road, the cars, or the people. I love this photo because of the road, cars and the people. They brings context to the image. I normally don’t like to include ‘man-made stuff’ in my nature landscape photos, but in this case, I think it makes for a better photo. 

What you don’t see is the view behind me. Bridalveil Falls is a short hike away, and not far from here you can see Half Dome, another amazing ‘rock’.

These three natural monuments are most frequently mentioned when someone talks about Yosemite National Park, and perhaps are the most photographed. It’s an amazing place. 

~ Rick

---

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Turkey for dinner?

I have been waiting to share this photo for a few days now. This is a wild turkey and it comes with a great story.

We had gone out for a drive, and were headed back to the lodge. I really can’t describe the road .. remember, we were in the mountains of Yosemite, and the roads wind through the mountain like a noodle in a pile of spaghetti. Winding roads for miles, trees, and not much margin for error. There are spots where the edge of the road end, and then there is just a clift .. a large drop off. I was just focused on my lane so as not to hit an oncoming car, or drop over the edge. My fear of heights didn’t work with me.  

As we come around a curve in the road, I see this very large bird in the road. Right in the middle of the road. My 1st reaction was, “Pheasant”. I really knew better .. it didn’t look like a pheasant. It turned toward us and started this turkey trot, trying to get out of the way. I stopped in the middle of the road as we both scrambled to get a camera. The funny thing is, I was holding my iPhone. But there we were were, two phones and still looking for a camera. Teresa snapped a couple of photos. This was the best one. 

The Turkey was so surprised: We were so surprised. I guess it was almost turkey for dinner.  

~ Rick

---

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Relaxing views

Yosemite: It seemed like there is a postcard waiting at every turn. We are home now, and I have had some time to digest our trip, and mentally process everything. There is so much to see at Yosmite. It reminded me of Yellowstone .. large, beautiful and overwhelming. I am so grateful that we were able to visit, and hope to return someday. 

Now for something more general. I have been struggling with how I can share more photos from the various places we visit and photograph. I am considering creating an ebook from some of the better photos. Perhaps a separate ebook for each destination. I would publish it as an iBooks (Apple users), and if I can figure it out, for Kindle. Maybe a PDF too?  The numbers of photos will be limited by how large the book becomes. I believe the book will cost about $5 to $10, enough to offset the cost of publishing and such.

What do you think? Is there any interest in ebooks like this. I would start with Yosmite, but if it goes well, I will create several. It will not be just photos, but include a short description or natative, and maybe some tips for those that visit the same locations. I am not trying to create a travel guide .. it’s a story in pictures. 

If you have any thoughts, and especially if you would be interested in this, please IM me on FB, text (937-214-3590), or in the comments on FB.

~ Rick

---

 Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

The Steller Jay

It was difficult to confirm this, but I believe this is a Steller Jay. They are the only new world Jay to use mud to build their nest. I really didn’t think I captured the photo. I saw him take off, and just started snapping photos. I found this in my pictures when I got back to our cabin. 

~ Rick

---

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright