Stalagmite Shattered - Abstract Photography

I like composing abstract photography.  A lot, really.  The subject can be large, or it can be small.  The idea can be minimal, or it can be more complex.  The composition can be representative, or even symbolic.  There are times when it doesn't have to be anything at all.  Maybe, though, it is everything.

Stalagmite Shattered

© Mark Eaton

This image was not found in a cave, but instead it was composed not too far from Lee's Ferry along the Colorado River.  Symbolic, perhaps, of the care and respect I strive to maintain when I'm interacting with nature in my own way.

Ulla Reimer to Conduct a Photography Workshop in Seoul in May 2015

Ulla Reimer is a professional photographer from France who has been in the business for forty years.  That's right...four decades.  When I lived in China, we would spend time chatting, and she was kind enough to show me some of her work that she exhibited at a prestigious show in the Middle Kingdom.  Her fine art photography is outstanding.  

She currently resides in Seoul.

Ulla has had a distinguished career in the field of photography from being a photojournalist, a portraitist for the stars, and a fine art photographer.  She informed me a day or so ago that she is conducting a workshop in Seoul this coming May.  

I asked her if people could still sign-up to participate in the workshop, and she said yes.  She made it a point to tell me that people who have no experience with photography to those who are very experienced with photography are welcome to participate.

The workshop is a four day event to be held in Seoul.  Here is a poster that discusses the contents of the workshop:

There are a couple of ways to contact Ulla so that you can sign-up to participate in the workshop:

1)  Contact Ulla by email:  ullareimer@yahoo.fr

2)  If you have Kao Kao Talk, Ulla's ID is ur031

3)  Go to her website:  Ulla Reimer.  Please go to her contact page for her email address.  Enjoy the photographs on her site while you are at it.

Have fun at the workshop!

The Chapel of the Valley in Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley is next to Prescott, and both of these very small municipalities are north and west of the Phoenix metropolis.  They are situated at a higher elevation than that of Phoenix; consequently, something approaching the four seasons can be appreciated.

In Prescott Valley, or PV for those old salts who live in the area, there is a an interesting structure that sits on a piece of private property located within the boundaries of Fain Park.  There are many other sources that explain the history of the region far better than I could even attempt, but I do want to discuss briefly this structure.  It is called The Chapel of the Valley.

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

It is a small building, and it is well maintained.  It isn't a traditional meeting place for Christian worshipers every Sunday, but it can be used for weddings and other somber and sobering functions that I would rather avoid.  Usually the doors are closed and secured unless a local volunteer happens to be on duty in the chapel itself.  Volunteers oft times are associated with an historical society or some other organization, and it is these people who provide opportunities for regular everyday people to access that which is often inaccessible.

I happen to know one of the volunteers here.  She has been a friend for many years, and she invited me to the chapel during her volunteer time.  She advised me to bring my camera, because I just might be impressed with all of the stained glass windows that are a large part of the chapel.

I don't do much work with color photography at this stage of my life, but I couldn't resist the temptation to do some color work after I entered the building.  Each window is stained glass that depicts certain figures or events important to Christians. 

Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

There isn't a regular window in the place, and on a sunny day the colors are rather amazing in such a small structure.

 Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

Why the apparent dark section in the above image?  The very first photo of this article provides the answer to that question.

Besides the stained glass windows, there are other things within the chapel that would interest a history buff.  The pipe organ is small...well, you'll have to take your own camera for that one.

This final image of the resurrected Savior is located on the western wall of the chapel, and it was the first image I saw as I entered the doors of the chapel as seen in the first photograph of this article.  I imagine the setting sun can produce some interesting light on this particular stained glass window.

Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

Should you find yourself in Prescott Valley, I hope you can get a chance to view the interior of the little chapel. 

Absurd Excuse to Not Travel Abroad

A short time ago I exchanged email messages with a man whom I have known for many years.  He is an intelligent man.

I asked him if he possessed a current passport so that he could join me in one of my adventures abroad.  He is aware of my fondness for Asia since I have lived in South Korea for some years and in China for too short a time.  His response was that he would not visit any country that didn't provide him the right to observe the second amendment of the U.S. Constitution while in that country.  A man has a right to protect himself, he explained to me.

I was wondering if this was a joke, but then some of the misinformed stereotypical observations about the peoples of China, in particular, and Asians, in general, showed me that this was not any type of attempt at humor.  I sat in front of the computer, stunned, for several minutes.

My response wasn't too complex.  I asked him if he used Skype, because I sure would like to have a face to face chat with a friend I haven't seen in such a long time.  His reply was that he had heard of it from another friend who traveled overseas, but that he had never used it.  His reasoning that it wouldn't serve any purpose to give the government goons at NSA, or any other entity, an easy opening to observe a chat.  In his response to me, he advised any snooper reading that particular missive that they should instead read the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution.

I took a couple of days to write back a lengthy response.  I explained that it is important to not allow the dictates of dogma derail life.  In my imperfect way, I tried to share information about safety and security in the areas I resided in during my time in South Korea and China.  Though the places where I lived were not perfect, true of anyplace on earth, the need to pack heat as if he were in an American municipality wasn't necessary.  In fact, living in those areas was a welcome relief.

It's been well over a week now, however, I've a feeling he won't reply.  But maybe he did send something to me, and maybe it was...intercepted...by, you know, those guys.

I suppose all I can do now is give my friend this look.

Self-Portrait: The Unusual Man

© Mark Eaton

If I could share any worthwhile advice to my American friends, it would be to cut the crap and travel abroad.  Do it before the dogma chains you down permanently.  Once that happens, you've gone over the edge.

Photography at McKenzie House in Suncheon

I was very pleased to have been able to place my photograph, Dwindling, at the McKenzie House restaurant in Suncheon recently.  The master chef, Sue, who is one of the nicest of all the people I have had the privilege to meet, told me that the photograph will be moving around a bit in the restaurant in order to interact with the other photos there.

McKenzie House - Dwindling by Mark Eaton

© Mark Eaton

If you like good food, photography, coffee, and people, then I suggest visiting McKenzie House.  When you drop in, be sure to say hello to Sue.  She will always have a smile and a kind word to share with visitors.

Sue Shows Dwindling at McKenzie House

© Mark Eaton

 A few years ago I submitted Dwindling to the International Color Awards photography competition.  It earned a Nominee in Nature award.  Check it out, along with the other submissions, here.

For those who are interested, I only have five prints of Dwindling remaining.