Early Rhythms of a Sabbatical

Comings & Goings

It hasn’t taken me long to become accustomed to the rhythms of my day as Amy rushes about in the a.m. to ready herself for school, and I pour another cup of coffee in anticipation of some morning reading.  Truth be told, this new pattern felt pretty strange during the opening days of school, but I have, not surprisingly, added some structure to what has become a wonderfully liberating outlook on the days and weeks ahead.  Amy too has adjusted, I think, and only raises her eyebrows every now and then.

Being a Student Again

Recently, I concluded a weeks long course at Maine Media in Rockport, ME where I had an opportunity to explore a workshop focusing on the “Process of Portraits.”  Like most students scanning their classmates in a first meeting, I looked around the classroom and quickly realized that within our group of 6 students, I was part of the rearguard in photographic experience and technical proficiency.  Recalling one of my former graduate school success strategies, I quickly attached myself to Bill, a retired engineer and astrophysicist, who kindly and quietly provided technical guidance throughout the week.

Starting with Michael Wilson our engaging and insightful professor who appeared to me to be right out of central casting for a freelance photographer (see photo below), I knew the week was going to be a good one. His abstract random approach to the curriculum effectively impacted me and provided plenty to ponder as I worked to understand, explore and improve my photography skill set.  The group of students were outstanding in all respects, and we developed a kind of an esprit de portrait together.

I encourage you to take a look at Michael’s website and have no doubt that you will recognize the likes of Lyle Lovett, Waylon Jennings, John Hiatt, EmmaLou Harris, and others he had the opportunity of photographing over the years when he worked with a number of record labels.  Personally, I find his photos stunning and provocative, especially as he eschews flash photograph and prefers to seek out “available” light for his photos.

In a week that focused more on the portrait aesthetic and less on the technical (but remember that I had Bill helping me with that) we studied a number of famous portrait photographers including Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Gary Winogrand, to name a few.  Our schedule consisted of classroom time learning principles for portrait photography, spending afternoons “on location” shooting models, and becoming more proficient with techniques for light, setting, and subject. Back in the classroom, the group critiqued what we had each produced, a serious yet fun part of the curriculum that helped me advance my understanding of effective portraits and the nomenclature surrounding the medium.

Perhaps the exercise that was most challenging and enjoyable occurred when our class set up a white screen backdrop in the parking lot of Renny’s, a Maine convenience store, and asked strangers whether they might allow us to take a few quick photos.  Below, are a few from this experience along with a some others I shot elsewhere during week.  As my classmates and I found, there were more than a few shining moments.

Articles of Interest

One of the true sabbatical pleasures I am finding is having the time to read articles that I might not otherwise have, given the fast pace we all move with our lives.  The two pieces from the Times focusing on learning to love classical music and listening to the sounds of the world (a truly amazing cacophony of sounds) were particularly noteworthy and, while I am not formally trained in classical music or world sounds, I enjoyed listening to both.  Come to think of it, I am not formally trained in lots of things but with time on my hands, I remain curious and interested in all that surrounds us.

A piece focusing on Sally and Bennett Shaywitz life’s work in decoding dyslexia and advocating for educational change was inspiring in many ways.  I also liked reading about the young visionary who has created an enormous sea boom to gather up plastic in the ocean, an invention that may end up being revolutionary for the environment.

I was struck too by a recent article focusing on beer (which I like) and Brett Kavanaugh, and what the Supreme Court nominee’s many references to that beverage during his hearing might have been signaling.  And if you missed SNL’s lampooning of the hearing, I encourage you to take a look.

Worth A Read

If you are looking for a powerful, rich, and inspiring memoir, you need to go no further than Tara Westover’s recent book, Educated.  Her raw and compelling voice throughout a narrative about faith, family obligation, self-creation, knowledge, and the power of one’s past over the future should advance this story to the top of your book pile.  Her style and syntax are refreshingly natural, impactful, and lovely.  I am already looking forward to teaching her memoir in one of my classes next year.  Next up for me, at the suggestion of my favorite librarian, will be The Day The World Came to Town by Jim Defede.

And Finally

I took a quick look at the trailer for the new production of King Lear and, as with almost everything that Anthony Hopkins stars in, this movie is a must see for those who love the actor and Shakespeare.  I am imagining and hoping that we might see resonances of Hannibal Lecter in Hopkin’s portrayal.

I will inevitably have a camera in hand throughout the year ahead, so please be sure that you are looking your best when I next encounter you.

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