Unconditional Love

to love... someone regardless of one's actions or beliefs. 

It is a concept comparable to true love, a term which is more frequently used to describe love between lovers.

Unconditional love is frequently used to describe love between family members, comrades in arms and between others in highly committed relationships.

It has also been used in religious context to describe God's love for humankind.

Maggie K looking to her Pack Leader for direction

Emily hoping the vegetables and dip become available

Emily "caught" on the pillows Christmas Morning, snuggled and resting

Timber? climbs the family tree, just "put up" with no ornaments...

These "family members" greet us at the door every afternoon and snuggle up close every night. They check on us when we stay in bed too long and guard the kitchen floor for mistakes - when meal preparation is underway. They immediately return any love and affection - and they jump on us after we inadvertently step on them.

Rarely sitting still for a photo... staring into our eyes as a fine example of "Unconditional Love"  - the true spirit of these High Holidays. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and certainly Happy New Year - These "Kids" and I Wish you all the best!

It takes you to a place within yourself...

Sunrise-Sunset

Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy - your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself.

- Annie Leibovitz 

I've been sent this quote, I'm asked to "print it", I find it striking me as a  completely appropriate beginning to this post. As a photographer, you shoot what you know, discover and what interests you. Willie Porter sings of "Making the most of the available light." That's my thing, has been for a while now.

Training This scene plays out every day near Midway Airport. Trapped at the head of the line, I jump out with the camera - who can complain? We are not going anywhere soon... Once the capture is in the machine, post production makes this gray day opportunity "Pop". 

 

Pretty Kitty needs a home...Opportunity knocks once again, and the dance continues.... she was adopted post haste!

"An old married couple" that's what I say. And I'm sure I did. We captured these two one early morning at the harbor - "Walking on thin Ice." Do you think it's him with the attitude or her? You see the attitude no? 

We are dancing with the light and the weather here, bitter cold! Scenes like these are few and far between.

 

POWER OUTAGE! More hard work in no light - the weather has interrupted power at a large transportation dispatch center. The critical path is determined by not only the available light - but the traffic demand. 800 transportation units require immediate attention - when automation is threatened.

Night moves... the call comes in... have you seen the tree, did you see the lighting on the fence? It's the quintessential time exposure shot, level solid surface required. Often this necessitates a tripod or other stable platform. The art requires you do some good work in the dark...and cold.

Fall Flight... eight on approach to final... landing long... Standing still, among other things, allows us to capture the essence of this scene. Not being a threat makes close approaches possible. I'm Dancing with the Flock... can you see the hint of blue sky reflected on the far wing of the lead and the forth goose?

It's a "Sit Off"  with Coyote Wild... the "Dance" continues. Lighting is not optimal - and neither is the field chosen for rest. A Female Coyote has eyes for you three - and you for him. It all ends well, for she looses interest and heads back to the den.

We end with a beginning...  Dawn arrives over a foggy scene and our dance with light and weather continues. 

I am alone on this early fall morning and look out over this serine start to the day with a perspective only gained when viewed from  that "special place within." It requires effort - I am happy.

Thank you Annie Leibovitz.

Dad... I need pictures

It's been a long day and a certain young man needs to have his English project - embedded with photo's - finished before Wednesday. The first thing he asks for is a photo of a water fall. I immediately harken back to a rainy day on the Columbia River Gorge and a set of Falls I took pictures of...

Multnomah Falls - Oregon

Circa May 20th 2007, I awaken to Jim saying we have to stop. I have fallen asleep in the rain as we ride along the Oregon highways into Portland - returning from a Rail Fan trip. They are beautiful and splendiferous. I pull out my P-200 Pocket Camera adjust and shoot. This will be the last trip I am on without a digital SLR...(Of course these are infamous falls, Ansel Adams photographed them - you may have seen his iconic black and white capture?)

Brian Kleeman - Road America 

Then he says I need a picture of a fast car, can you look at those shots from Road America and give me one of Brian racing? Ahh Nephew Brian tearing up the track... fond memories... what else do you need? He runs the gambit - we lift a couple pictures from Brian's Fathers Facebook page. He's the guy that was driving me past those falls on top of the page.


How about that sunrise photo? Humm the one with the mountains? Circa late February 2010. Brother Jim, my enabler, and I off taking pictures of trains in the Mojave Desert. I have a digital SLR by now - and have begun to understand how to make it "Bark" (as I sometime say).

Pre dawn - Parker Arizona

I have to say little as we climb the rise and are greeted by this view, Jim and I have left before dawn to move into Parker to catch a little run train. "We" unanimously agree we are stopping NOW! You should have been there, this picture is great and it captures the essence of those moments... but pales in comparison to being there.


For all the grousing John is known to do when I have the camera pointed at him, it's nice to hear he would rather use "my" photo's or his uncle Jim's to do the project - it's so much more interesting. I will love hearing what his teacher has to say..."Now where did you get all these photos? Who took them? J.Kleeman?" (Jim and I have the same initial and last name...)


My parting shot... As I sifted thru the inventory in search of John's preferred shots I came across this. Taken last year on a walk downtown with my nephew Drew and his college friend "Henry." He wanted the tour and photo's of him as he enjoyed the sights...We were in search of the "Bright lights" and "Big City." 

"Henry" on the far right, a concerned pedestrian on the far left...(big camera concerns)

I think we got the shot for Henry...Michigan Avenue...
John got his too... I was glad I could use my portfolio as a resource for his project.

Can you shoot this?

I am often asked if I would be interested in shooting a project and immediately the concern for what it will cost is raised. In discussing the particulars, I usually discover a persons interest in getting the shot or shots, with little or no comprehension of the technical issues or the practical details. It's not a problem for me of course - I have not yet accepted the mission! (Or challenge - as the case may be)

There is usually a large amount of trust placed on a photographer, most of the time I think the shooter does what is required. It's a shame to take him or her for granted. As one friend put it, "How do you shoot weddings? Those are the most important photo's nobody will ever look at a few months after you take them!" I never leave the house with that approach, and I never would - it's a healthy dose of experience combined with skill, luck, knowing your camera gear and having (in my case) your subject comfortable with you. At a wedding - for me - it's a matter of trust. I have my shots I want, they have theirs and we head off to the "set" wearing different hats.

Scott and Daughter Sarah D - heading to the alter.

When we shoot a wedding, It's a responsibility I clearly take seriously, but I understand my friends point. I know we're at risk when the person who hired you wants to micro manage, I prefer to perform magic - I don't want to have a spotter tell me when to take the shot, well not normally. 

Serendipitous are the father and daughter above. Scott grew up on the same street as I. I did not know I would be attending his daughters wedding - until we were introduced at the chapel. I received an immediate hardy handshake and hug - smiles all around and a HUGH boost in familiarity with the group - a win win for the photographer! The opportunity to shoot at will (and stay out of the way) is my favorite. Weddings are a complete blast - a very happy and emotional experience - what's not to like?

I spent part of the day yesterday shooting in a particularly tough environment. The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Swim Team at Wheaton College. Shorts required! Let the gear settle into the temperature and humidity - get there early and let it acclimate.

Between the lighting and the reflections, I had my hands full. This very busy environment meant that I needed to maintain situational awareness. One false move and I might go swimming, or at least "dunk" a camera and lens. The athletes were quick and agile, they were able to avoid me much faster than I them.

The Topic for this adventure was the Women's Team at the event. A friend for many years called and asked if I might take a few shots, since everything they get is blurry or just not up to par for them. The team would be in town early December - could I schedule some time? Of course as parents - they were normally relegated to the bleachers. Me, as the "Photographer" could walk around the relatively unsafe pool deck. WOW a lot going on there! Teaming with competitors there was little room for walking. Competitor traffic aside, The ability to maneuver and being close to the action - made quite a difference.

"LC" Checking the event schedule - She excels in the MILE!

I have my concerns about these event photo's - but the style grain and lighting are all a part of the program. This is the environment we are given - so do what we do is the name of the game. My objective was clear (actually literally clear - clear photo's!). I enjoyed the ever changing scene and the "Vibe." I learned a few thing about my "set up" and made a couple new friends.

"LC" doing the "MILE" - that's 15 minutes continuous forward movement.. "GOLLY!"

I am going to guess "LC's" Mom and Dad are just going to faint when they see the results of my efforts. I think I can do better - I always do. So I will just have to shoot "LC" and the team again... I made notes and have determined some settings on the camera can be better managed or manipulated to our mutual advantage.

It was fun Hot and Humid, a great break to the blustery weather outside!

On the News - the Weather News that is...

"Oh Brother!" It took a little effort and then an few phone calls as the day went on, but I managed to get one of my partners in photo crime to meet me on yet another "Death Defying" photo hop. (Brother Rob)

"Hiding" behind a brick and mortar wall, far enough from the melee to "feel" safe and not be in the blowing sand. "Winnetka Power Station Pier"

Gusts to 60, sustained winds in the 50 mph range and then wind chills about 20 degrees. (Per Professor Tom Skilling @ WGN) Wow it was FEROCIOUS (I imagine a Mt McKinley summit at 50 or 60 mph and -50 degrees... those folks are crazy)


We arrive to a moderate sand blasting and bone chilling wind. The effort to required to walk eventually reminds me of crossing a shallow fast moving stream - the feet must be forced down to the intended step point. Tiring.

Gilson Park Beach This "Lee Side" of the stone breakwater gives the signs added perspective...

As we moved South chasing other photo opportunities, each "stop" along the way required we leave the relative safety of the vehicles and hike to the shore. Wiser and older we never test our exposure to undue risk, I guess from the view here "Undue Risk" is relative.

"Jay" (me) On the retaining wall @ Wilmette Harbor - Photo by Rob Kleeman

I am not one to completely enjoy my picture, that's why I carry the cameras (and tell everyone so). Bahi Temple in the background, that grass is not laying down - it's "Standing up" in the wind. We are staying well clear of the rocks and the edge. We know this area well and can't think of just how disappointed we would be to get the cameras wet... dawn - no wind - we can travel out to the light... not today! 

"The Loop" as seen from the Northwestern Campus

The next obvious shooting location would require a movement to Montrose Pier. That would have been Grand but we were running out of light and getting battered and seriously cold. Coffee Time - so we packed it in.


Parking in town in the dark, almost 5 pm - meters done... nope got a parking ticket. But I think $10 for all this is cheap. So the last few hours were a success. We got a little early winter practice in, saw some amazing displays of Mother Natures power and collected stellar images. "Priceless!"


Our final reward as the daylight fades...we head to the car and the warm calm interior it offers and see this...

Northwestern University Campus

I guess today's excitement is like life... Sometimes it looks like "A Fairy Tale."

These images were featured on the WGN Weather Segment tonight and popped up on their web-site too. Thank you Professor Tom Skilling - we are only too happy to share!

http://blog.chicagoweathercenter.com/2011/11/lake-michigan-waves-1.html

To give Thanks

 

Winnetka Beach "Family Shoot"

       So many things to be thankful for...

The many memories captured, frozen in time by the image reflected on that film, sensor or mind. I am thankful for the long lens which allows me to reach into a scene with no interruption of the activities "underway." Would they have shared emails to trade photo's? My guess is yes.



Is it possible to be brief? I will let some pictures do the talking.
 

I am thankful for:

Getting to shoot at the photographers I know - wherever they may be

Sharing the experience with some one who "Understands" (blizzard by train)

Wide open spaces, "Room to make a big mistake"

Feeling Small and inconsequential

Discovering what I look like in the morning via Rob's position

Enjoying a quiet start to the day

Fireworks!  Now, who does not like fireworks?

Having a higher power keep an eye on me.

Those things that bug me now and again

The little things we take for granted

Taking long walks with friends

Having Chicken and Biscuits for dinner (with peas of course)

Family and friends gathering in the back yard

Nose Cups!

The technology to see and hear family across the world

More technology and family "All over the world"

Emily as a girlfriend, and the wife has concerns but does not care

Kitty's up a tree

The surprise when a place to crash for the night turns into a tour of the neighborhood

A quiet snow storm, while hiding under an umbrella

And "Bright Stars" to light our way, you know who you are...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

"Smells like Paris"

I guess it should, you know it is November and for many years I have made a visit to Paris just about this time of year. On more than one occasion the "Paris traveling crew" touches base during the Fall and Early Winter to exclaim,”Gosh it feels like Paris!”  

Terra Amazonia Crew

Spartanic's Load Out Crew

Alex's Birthday @ Harry's NY Bar

Night walking the town

It’s a small world and I have had the stellar opportunity to travel Paris on many an occasion. Before leaving on my first trip there was trepidation, would I embrace the crossing and survive the foods and customs? It always happens, I think it’s a rev up to the travel and a pre flight motivation to gather what is required. Then there was Lisa coming with and my little camera, I went out before we left and bought a back up – after all this was the “Trip of a lifetime” and who knew then I would keep going back?

 

Lisa and Chris having a large time @ the Head sculpture Saint Eustache

This morning as I open the back door to let Emily in, I hear and feel it – “like I was there."  The garbage truck is in the front of the house on high idle prepping for the route and there is a hint of diesel wafting across the expanse to me, riding on the cool misty fall morning in Chicago – sure feels like, smells like  and now it sounds “like” the Paris I fondly recall.

Looking back I see I have been there eight times. That once in a life time trip to Paris really panned out to be a multiple year run. Supporting a convention set up and take down I enjoyed a free room for the week, then it was a second year and oh yes a third…

Reflecting with Chris

"Bread walk - up hill"

Just what exactly is the draw for me? 






A photographer’s paradise, yes - but it is truly something more. The friends I have made, the folks I traveled with and the places we have seen on these trips have been nothing less than spectacular. A complete break from the routine including lots of walking, coffee and beer amazing fresh baked goods and my favorite breakfast in my whole world @ Le petit Cardinal.

I realize it’s the people, places and things we have done that draw me back, and every year as the camera gear and my ability to exploit their capabilities improves there is a corresponding ability to more properly “capture the scene.” Maybe next trip I will go with a specific list of images I would like to capture, the again maybe we’ll go and just “see what happens.”

Reflecting pond @ Monceau Park

Colonnade and reflecting pond @ Monceau Park

 

Champs Elysees at night from the Arc de Triomphe

Palace at Versailles

I am always happy to follow my camera around, even the times I have to keep track of it. You should see the Paris walking bag, it’s a handful – but worth the effort. 

"Barbque" @ the grave of Oscar Wilde

Barbeque with Lisa and Chris

We met "Barbeque" as he toured an young lady around the cemetery back in 2008. This year in February Chris enjoyed another experience with him, bringing Lisa along for the ride.

Stain Glass, Reflection and Depth of field - Pere Lachaise Cemetery Paris

 

John Chris and Marcy in the RER Station @ Charles De Gaulle

 Marcy finally decides to travel across the pond with "us." John gets to experience a different part of the world under the expert guidance of his Aunt Chris and Uncle Tom.( Note: This train movement photo was taken with my pocket Sony PC-200, you don't have to carry an SLR to capture great images)

Jay (me) and Tom, "Last day in Paris" no worse for the wear.

Because of Tom’s offer of a once in a lifetime trip, I know my way around Paris pretty well. And when I leave the city of love – I have made a new set of great memories, left only footprints and taken pictures… 

Thank you Tom.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jkleeman/sets/72157625776741962/ 

* Note photo's resized upon request. So yes it's changed!