First, Keeping it close.

Below I share with you some (ancient) close-ups of a myriad of subjects. Most of you know that I photographed virtually everything in nature, and very often did so up close. Below there are flowers, some rare, insects including a rare Karner Blue butterfly that had landed on my hand, ice, leaves, plants with dew or rain drops, a wild mushroom, a wild rabbit, and a semi translucent spider.

All of those years that I taught workshops, group and single, alone or with a partner, I think close-ups were my favorite to teach. Just watching their eyes glow when they got their first glimpse of any subject truly up close.

Do not be afraid of drama, up close or not. Obviously, if you are making nature photos for the express purpose of identification, this is what this flower or that insect looks like, you want even, somewhat boring light. Otherwise, set your imagination to run free. I talk not about altering reality although you certainly have that right. I speak of “recognizing” the beauty and abstract qualities of dramatic light, including layers of light, on almost every subject.

My personal favorite among these is the spider right at the end.

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The Bible is about many things. Worship and obedience most certainly come to mind. However, sin and Salvation from that sin, is the centerpiece of the Word of God. It is about God’s children and eternity.

It is not about resting on the seventh day or old Jewish food laws. That changed on the third day when He rose again.

There are many paths we can travel. There is only one single road to an eternity with God. Salvation through Jesus Christ by Faith.

Romans 3:28
For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:9
And be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Galatians 3:24
So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

The above verse, is important beyond my ability to explain.

Galatians 3:22
But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 8:24
I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (This is Jesus speaking. Sin brings separation and death. Only what Christ did, and complete faith in it, can we have eternal life.)

Romans 10:9
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

It is impossible, to read very far into the Bible, and not realize that it is about sin, and salvation. Just as obvious, is the one and only escape. Faith in Christ Jesus

One of the best friends of my lifetime recently mailed me a package of his memories of the great times we had as friends and photographers. It was beyond joy to hear from him again, and to relive our many photo trips.

Sometimes sad and good can live together and that is what I felt after reading it.

Thank you my friend.

May God richly bless,
Wayne