Vita Rara: A Life Uncommon - Photography

Urban Black and Whites

Mark — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:51:51 -0400

I've done very few black and white conversions of my digital pictures in the past. Recently a friend of mine, Jim, from the local brew pub showed me some black and white shots he's done with 4x5 field camera, and it inspired me to go out and shoot with black and white conversions in mind.

VanRensselaer Lodge No. 87 Officer Installation

Mark — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 16:13:02 -0400

At our last meeting in May VanRensselaer Lodge No. 87 installed our new officers for the current year. A good friend of mine, David Neidrauer was installed as Worshipful Master. It was great seeing this occur. David is the first of a young group of Masons taking leadership roles in our lodge.

Experimental Dance Photos

Mark — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 15:47:14 -0400

I've been taking photos of dancing for some time now. While at a wedding a few weeks ago I snapped a photo of the couple dancing and had a slow shutter speed. This resulted in a wonderful image, with some motion blur, but other parts of the photo being sharp. At a recent dance night I sought to duplicate the effect. It takes some patience, and getting just the right shutter speed. I haven't mastered the skill yet, but here are a few attempts at it.

Here's the photo from the wedding that got me started on this:

A Rock Garden Afternoon

Mark — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 11:27:34 -0400

We went to Goshen to spend time with Sylva's Dad and Step-Mom for her birthday. (Happy Birthday Libby!)

Libby keeps an amazing rock garden. It really has to be seen to be appreciated. I headed out with our EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens and took some flower photos. All of these are hand-held with my 1D Mark II.

Grand Lodge of Wisconsin F&AM Annual Session

Mark — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:46:52 -0400

Earlier this month I had the honor and privilege of being the Personal Representative of the Most Worshipful Neal I. Bidnick, Grand Master of Mason in the State of New York, to the annual session of the Grand Lodge of Wisonsin Free and Accepted Masons.

This was my first opportunity attending a Grand Session outside of my home jurisdiction of New York. I truly enjoyed the session. The Grand Master of Wisconsin, Most Worshipful Rodney Paulsen conducted the session with great joy and dignity. It was truly a pleasure.

Masters Lodge Number 5 Installation of Officers

Mark — Fri, 25 May 2007 20:49:02 -0400

On May 14, 2007 Masters Lodge Number 5 Free & Accepted Masons held its election and installation of officers for the ensuing year. My congratulation to all of the new officers, and in particular to R.·. W.·. Robert Walenta on his election as Master of the Lodge. Here's to a great year.

New Lenses

Mark — Tue, 15 May 2007 22:27:32 -0400

It's that time of year. It seems that in the spring I add lenses to my collection. In '05 it was a 50mm f/1.8, in '06 it was a 100mm f/2.8 Macro and a 17-40 f/4L. This year I added the Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS, and the EF 70-200 f/4L IS. These are both incredible lenses. I haunted the local brew pub, and hounded the cats for a few pics.

Wool Gathering

Mark — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:40:34 -0400

Sometimes you stumble upon something that takes you back in time. In past times this would frequently occur in an attic, or old closet that someone was cleaning out. For me this happens when I change computers. I just got a new laptop, and I'm moving into it, after migrating all of my files over.

In this process I happened on an old QuickTime movie I made with photos from the first year of having my Canon Digital Rebel. Take a look (10MB). I thought I had posted it on this site, but apparently I hadn't. This video covers Septmber 2003 to September 2004.

The Shriners

Mark — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 12:45:53 -0400

The Shriners of North America are likely one of the best known Masonic organizations in America. Many people do not know it, but to be a Shriner you must first be a Freemason.

The Shrine is involved in many philanthropic pursuits. It's greatest being their burn and orthopedic hospitals for children.

Shriners participate in parades in their local communities to raise awareness of their works with children, and to promote the organization. Members will ride motorcycles, miniature cars, play in bands, but probably the most recognizable participants are the Shrine clowns.

The George Washington Bible

Mark — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 12:11:24 -0400

George Washington, the first President of the United States of America, took his oath of office on the Bible owned by St. Johns Lodge No. 1 in New York City. This Bible has remained in the possession of St. Johns Lodge since that time, and is maintained as a national treasure.

Frequently the officers of many Grand Lodges, New York in particular, ask to take their obligations on the George Washington Bible. Here you see the Bible being placed on the altar for the installation of officers for the Grand Lodge of New York during their 2006 grand session.

The Bible is always accompanied by a team from St. Johns Lodge. The gloves you see are always worn when handling the Bible. This prevents oils from our hands from causing damage. Also, all flash photography must be done from a safe distance.