One thing that I don’t share often are images of signs. There are so many different signs here in Europe that you just don’t see in the US, many of them with these pseudo stick figures displaying unacceptable behaviors. It’s amazing how much you can convey with a simple little psuedo-stick figure. Maybe it’s because there are so many cultures and languages all mixed up here, a picture is the most effective way to convey information quickly. Today’s image is one example that I found very amusing, from a German train station. If common sense weren’t enough to keep you from the edge of the platform, and if you don’t read German, here you go. Now you’re safe.
A Taste of Switzerland
Road Trip ’09 from Kat Sloma on Vimeo.
Heading to Switzerland this week reminded me of our road trip last year, when we first visited this beautiful country. We decided that the four or so days we spent there were not enough time, that’s why we’re going back! I thought I would share this photo story again of our road trip last year, to give you a taste of Switzerland along with Germany, Austria and Slovenia. I look forward to sharing more new images next week!
Just Because
An image I love, just because of the green and brown. Just because of the depth of field and the light. Just because of the contrast of budding, growing life against the peeling paint and grungy pot. And maybe just because there is peeling paint involved. Enjoy this image from Braubach, Germany. It could be from anywhere, even in your own little corner of the world. Can you go out and find your own “just because” image today?
PS – I’ll be disappearing from the blog for a little over a week as we travel to new places. I’m already anticipating much creative excitement, poring over photos upon my return, and sharing them with you here. Ci vediamo! (Which roughly translates as, we’ll see each other later.)
Fundamental Shift
I came to a surprising realization this morning, that somewhere, sometime in the last year I have made a fundamental shift. I can see this shift in several ways…
In my photography, I have moved from the idea that I’m just capturing our travels to share with family and friends and remember later, to the idea that I’m creating art.
In this blog, I’ve found my voice, sharing my unique vision of the world around me and my creative journey.
In my self, I have moved from identifying myself as an engineer (my day job for the last 18 years) to identifying myself as an artist.
I am an artist.
Photography is my medium.
I have a unique vision to show the world.
Wow, that feels great to put out there. This is an exciting realization for me. I hope you continue with me on this journey, because who knows where it will lead.
(Photo is the entrance to the Marksburg Castle, outside of Braubach, Germany in the Rhine River Valley.)
Join Me in Germany
An inviting doorway in Braubach, Germany, a little town along the Rhine river that is the home of Marksburg Castle. This image adds to my ever-increasing collection of doorway images. I like this one for a few reasons: There is a sense of “place” with the half-timbered house in the background; a sense of time with the wonderful greenery and flowers; and a sense of mystery with the open doorway and light streaming through. I am invited to come in and see the courtyard, and in doing so, I expect it to be as pretty on the inside as the outside and to find a refreshing, relaxing place. Come join me here for a cool drink!
Time for Breakfast
An inviting advertisement for breakfast in Bacharach, Germany.
This week I have been in the mood to share photos of some different places, besides Italy. So it is good that we are going out of town this weekend, heading to Spain, to Barcelona. We’ve never been to Spain! A new country to add to our list, a new place to explore, new images to capture and share.
I’ve decided that when I travel I’m not going to schedule blog posts. I like the daily interaction and contemplation of my photos that this blog brings me, and to do a whole bunch in one or two days to get ready for a week away becomes more of a chore than fun. And this is for fun! So after tomorrow I’m going to disappear for a few days and I’ll come back refreshed and renewed and with wonderful images of Spain!
Now off to fruhstuck. (That would be breakfast, in German.)
