Category: Photography

The Geometry of Growth: Paso Robles’ Vineyard Rows Picture of the Week - Paso Robles, California

Neat rows of young grapevines ascending the gentle slopes under a cloudy sky in Paso Robles, showcasing the meticulous care in vineyard management.
The Geometry of Growth: Paso Robles’ Vineyard Rows – Witness the artistry of agriculture in Paso Robles, where the vineyard rows ascend like notes on a staff, composing a green symphony on the slopes.

Welcome back to our AA tour of Paso Robles vineyards. Last week, we started with a morning visit to L’Aventure, just a stone’s throw from downtown Paso Robles. After spending a good hour there, our next stop was Justin Vineyards. It’s quite a drive from the city center, but we had a plan: lunch at The Restaurant at Justin before our tasting. Little did we know, our venture to Justin Wines would be without the lunch we anticipated, making for an unexpected twist to our wine-tasting adventure.

We first learned of Justin Wines at the Cambria liquor store a half dozen years ago, and since then, we’ve seen the distinctive black labels in our familiar wine stores. We finally brought a bottle home to try and enjoy the harmonious blend of traditional Old World methods and the innovative spirit of Paso Robles. Justin Wines is a beacon in the Central Coast wine scene because they are committed to making world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Recommendations came not just from reviews or awards but from the enthusiastic tales of fellow wine lovers, stories of a winery that dared to dream big and deliver. It wasn’t just a name; it was a promise of an experience that merged the finesse of a finely aged Cabernet with the boldness of a region redefining itself.

The roots of Justin Wines are as deep and complex as the wines they produce. Founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin, the winery’s mission was clear from the start: to produce world-class wines that belong in the company of the world’s great wines. With a focus on estate-grown Bordeaux-styled blends, Justin Wines has meticulously nurtured its vineyards to bring out the unique expression of its location in the Paso Robles region. Baldwin’s vision and dedication have created a legacy, making Justin Wines a standard-bearer for quality and innovation in the Californian wine landscape.

The inviting facade of Justin Winery's tasting room in Paso Robles, framed by mature oak branches and well-manicured greenery, photographed by Jim Witkowski.
Sipping in Style: Inside Justin Winery’s Tasting Estate – Beneath the shade of sycamores, the Justin Winery tasting room stands as a beacon of hospitality in the heart of Paso Robles, inviting enthusiasts and novices alike to savor the essence of their craft.

The varietals that grace the cellars of Justin Wines are a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality. From their iconic Isosceles, a blend that pays homage to the Bordeaux giants, to their Justification, a nod to the Right Bank with its Franc-centric profile, each bottle offers a glimpse into the heart of their craft. The Cabernet Sauvignon, with its structured elegance and the complex, layered character of their Syrah, speak to the diversity of their offerings. The winery’s dedication to reflecting the terroir is evident in every glass, as they continue to earn accolades and captivate palates with their expressive, balanced, and impeccably crafted wines.

We purchased four varietals in the Justin offering—three of which are only sold at the estate, while the last on our list can sometimes be found in Costco or Total Wine. That’s good for us because it saves on travel time and gas. Here’s the list of our choices from light to robust.

    • 2021 Rose Syrah—yeah, yeah! I said we didn’t care for Rose’s last week, but this is another exceptional wine. When you swirl the wine in a glass, you watch for lines running down the sides—they’re called legs and are an indicator of sugar content. The Rosé Syarah had great legs but was dry. It’s a magic act. $20.00
    • 2020 Right Angle—A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Petite Verdot grapes. This one had a rich combination of fruit taste with a mild tannin bite. It should age well. $40.
    • 2020 Reserve Malbec—Malbec is another Bordeaux grape that wasn’t widely grown in California until Argentina’s Malbec explosion. This example was 100% Malbec grapes and a deep purple color. This wine was robust and would pair well with anything from a good steak to lasagne. $50.00
    • 2020 Isosceles—Ooh. Dreams are made from this. This is one of Justin’s flagship wines. It’s a traditional Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes. It’s a full-bodied wine with complex black fruit, vanilla, licorice, and spice tones. Justin is right proud of this wine, and that’s reflected in the price—but you might find a bottle of Isosceles in Costco or Total Wine for less, as we did. $85.00

With this week’s Thursday being Thanksgiving, I hope you all don’t run down to Total Wine and buy out their entire inventory of Isosceles. But since you’re going there anyway, would you mind picking up a bottle for me? Borrowing the words of a great philosopher, ‘I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.’ (There are 5 points for everyone who can name that philosopher in the comments below—but no peeking at others’ answers!).

Thanks for taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to visit us today. As usual, you can find a larger version of this week’s photo on my website (Jim’s Web) and its FAA page (FAA Link). Be sure to put us on your calendar next week when we finish our Paso Robles tour by visiting the King of the Hill.

Until then, keep your spirits high and your humor dry
jw

Techniques: Patterns as Subjects – The Art of Repetition

How many ways are there to shoot a vineyard? I lost count a long time ago, but sometimes, when your subject is too small or inconsequential, you must take a step back and look at the bigger picture. How can I uniquely shoot this scene?

Sometimes, the most captivating subject is not a single object but a tapestry of repeating elements that create a pattern. In the photo of the wine grove, the rows of vines form a mesmerizing way that serves as the subject itself. The repetition of lines and shapes across the frame isn’t just pleasing to the eye; it tells a story of careful cultivation and nature’s inherent symmetry. When faced with a vast scene, seek out these patterns. They can transform a landscape into a visual rhythm that engages the eye. Whether it’s the repetition of vine rows, the orderly spread of tree canopies, or the undulating waves of a coastal scene, patterns can elevate a photograph from a simple setting to a study of harmony and design. When the subject isn’t found, let the pattern become the star.

Green Symphonies: The Vines of L’Aventure Picture of the week - Paso Robles, California

Rows of grapevines basking in the Paso Robles sun at L'Aventure Winery, photographed by Jim Witkowski.
Green Symphonies: The Vines of L’Aventure – The serene rows of L’Aventure Winery, where nature’s quiet symphony plays amongst the vines.

Wine tasting is not what it used to be. I remember when all it took was a sunny afternoon and a car, and we could show up and taste. Now, it’s all about planning with reservations. The spontaneity’s gone, but the trade-off is a more intimate experience at each stop. So we were starting our day at L’Aventure Winery while the morning was still fresh, and the roosters were thinking about their wake-up calls. Not every day you get to taste fine wine with the dew still on the grapes, but it makes for a memorable morning when you do.

We had to make reservations for each stop—days in advance this year, and we had to coordinate those times because what we wanted sometimes wasn’t open. The vineyards wish you to spend at least an hour so you get the whole spiel. Then you have to allow for travel time. God forbid you’re late for an appointment because the next bus arrives, and you’re locked in the parking lot. There you have the short version of why we started tasting wine at L’Aventure at 10 a.m. before the chickens got up.

Signpost directions to L'Aventure Winery among others in Paso Robles, snapped by Jim Witkowski.
We were navigating Paso Robles’ Wine Country. Where to go next? The signposts of Paso Robles point the way to our next vineyard adventure.

L’Aventure Winery came onto our radar like a secret whispered among the vines—its name uttered with a vinous reverence in the circles of oenophiles we admire. Nestled within the undulating landscapes of Paso Robles, this winery has carved out more than a niche; it has etched a legacy in the very bedrock of the region. It’s not just the distinctive wines; it’s the philosophy permeating every bottle. Here, tradition isn’t merely upheld; it’s reimagined. Stephan Asseo’s creations have bucked the trends, danced gracefully between the rules, and presented the world with blends that defy expectations. In Paso Robles, a place flourishing with winemaking potential, L’Aventure has boldly claimed its stake, garnering approval from critics and connoisseurs alike. To sip L’Aventure’s wine is to participate in a legacy of innovation that whispers of exclusivity and guarantees your pallet something new.

Stephan Asseo’s vinicultural journey is a narrative steeped in passion and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It’s a tale that begins in the esteemed vineyards of France, where the terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and landscape that imparts distinctive character to the wine—is as much a part of the culture as the vines themselves. Yet, after 17 vintages, the rich but restrictive traditions of French winemaking left Asseo yearning for a canvas broad enough to hold the scope of his ambitions. His odyssey for the perfect terroir brought him to the variegated landscapes of Paso Robles—a place where the soil spoke to his soul. Here, freed from the stringent Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) regulations dictating French winemaking minutiae, Asseo’s maverick spirit thrived. In this New World sanctuary, blending is an art form, and Asseo, the ever-daring artist, dismisses the notion that wines must conform to preordained profiles. His wines are a triumph, not just of terroir, but of bold innovation—melding the best of both worlds to create something truly extraordinary. This is the spirit of L’Aventure: a symphony of earth and effort, a testament to the magic that happens when you refuse to accept that the status quo is the pinnacle of what can be achieved.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Paso Robles, L’Aventure has become synonymous with bold, innovative winemaking, and this is nowhere more evident than in their celebrated varietals. The winery has garnered acclaim for its exceptional Rhône blends, robust with the complexity and depth that the region’s soil imparts. But it is the pioneering estate blends that truly set L’Aventure apart—chief among them, the Optimus and Estate Cuvée, which seamlessly marry Rhône varieties with the noble Bordeaux, creating symphonies of flavor that resonate with the essence of both Old World sophistication and New World audacity. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot are testaments to the winery’s dedication to quality and the full expression of each grape’s character. Each bottle from L’Aventure is not just a beverage but a story of land and labor, a narrative told through each sip of their meticulously crafted wines.

Two of the samples in our flight (different specimens picked by the vintner) impressed us enough to purchase. We used to love finding wines priced around $10 at tasting rooms, but those days are long gone. These days, anything over $50 is out of our league unless it’s exceptional. Then I have to get down on my antique knees and beg Anne to sell one of the many jewels from her crown to cover the cost.

    • The Estate Rosé. We’re not fans of rosés because they’re often fruity and sweet—a holdover from the Mateus days. Not so in this case. L’Aventure’s rosé was dry and drank more like a chardonnay. We paid less than $30 for our bottle.
    • The Cote A Cote Red Blend. We were impressed with the complex hints of dark cherries and chocolate and how the terroir came out in this wine. I thought the tannin aftertaste was harsh but would mellow with age. This bottle sells on the north side of $50.

After our early morning tasting at L’Aventure, we left with a couple of bottles that caught our fancy and some good memories. The rosé was a pleasant surprise — not too sweet, how we like it. And the red blend? It was rich and bold, even if I think it’ll taste even better with time. With our wine adventure off to a great start, we were ready to grab a bite and gear up for the next round of tastings. Next week, I’ll tell you about our visit to Justin’s, a place you might know from your local store. But until then, don’t forget to check out my website < Jim’s Web Page> or my Fine Art America page <FAA Page> to see this week’s photo in full size.

Till next time, keep your spirits high and your humor dry
jw

Techniques: Mastering Natural Framing in Landscape Photography

This week’s photo at L’Aventure showcases a classic compositional technique: natural framing. Like curtains on a stage that focus the audience’s attention on the performance, the rows of vines guide the eye toward the central barn. Flanking the barn, the sloping hill on the left and the dark green oak trees on the right mirror each other, encasing the scene in a verdant embrace. This draws the viewer’s gaze to the heart of the image and adds a layer of depth, making the barn appear as the show’s star. Natural framing is a powerful tool, subtly suggesting where to look without overt direction. In vineyard photography, where every element tells a part of the story, such frames are the unsung heroes, providing structure and focus to the landscape’s natural beauty.

And About That Speck in the Sky

You might notice a speck against the clouds if you squint at this week’s photo. Let’s set the record straight — that’s not a smudge on your screen or a rebellious dust spot I missed in post-production. That, my friends, is a turkey vulture soaring high above the vineyard. These discerning birds of prey are known to patrol the skies over Paso Robles, perhaps keeping a watchful eye on the ripening grapes or just searching for their next meal. It’s nature’s quality control, though I’m happy to report they’ve yet to dip down for a taste test of the vintage. They may have a keen sense for the exquisite, but thankfully, they leave the wine tasting to us mere mortals.

The Verdant Slopes of Paso Robles Picture of the Week - Paso Robles, California

Vast vineyard in Paso Robles with rows of grapevines leading up to a tree-covered hill.
Nature’s Golden Arrow: Pointing to Paso Robles’ Treasures – Follow nature’s golden arrow, leading us to the crown jewels of this Paso Robles vineyard.

Thumb-deep in the pages of my trusted wall calendar (see more on calendars below)—a tome that’s seen more flips than a circus acrobat—I’m struck by the revelation that November has tiptoed in. This month, we salute not only the leafy tapestries of autumn but also indulge in the time-honored pursuit of pumpkin plundering. The ultimate spoils? Whisking those grim jack-o’-lanterns into pie perfection! And let’s not forget each stellar pie deserves a vinous virtuoso by its side. This month, our glasses are poised for just that.

Paso Robles beckons us back, teasing with three vineyards yet untouched by the footprints of Queen Anne and yours truly. San Luis Obispo County—our seaside serenade in Cambria—lures us with its labyrinthine backroads, rustic seafood haunts, and the siren call of Paso Robles’ vine-clad hills, a wooded sanctuary just a ten-hour drive away.

The “Pass of the Oaks” isn’t merely another dot on the wine map; it’s a chapter from an 18th-century vintner’s diary. With the Mission San Miguel’s historic tendrils, the grape gospel here has been preached for centuries. In this Edenic enclave, broiling daytime heat waltzes with the cool nocturnal breezes—a climatic duet the grapes practically waltz to solar caresses, coaxing ripeness, nightly whispers preserving zest.

But the tale doesn’t end with the meteorological. The Salinas River, a silent matriarch, cradles Paso in a diverse geological lullaby. It’s a mosaic of terroir, each parcel boasting its own soil story and climatic character. Amidst the hidden theatrics of the fault line beneath the 101 Freeway, a sanctuary for over 40 grape varietals thrives.

While the east side of the freeway is renowned for its sandy soils, giving birth to the robust flavors of well-known labels like Robert Hall and Tobin James, it’s also a chessboard of corporate plays. Giants like Julio and Ernesto have swept through, snapping up vineyards and shuttering public tasting rooms, sealing them away from the thirsty public. It’s a reminder that behind every serene row of vines lies the pulsing heart of business—sometimes nourishing, and sometimes, like a wise game of Monopoly, reshaping the very access to these bottled elixirs.

Our visual offering this week captures the ascending vines off Adelaida Road, cresting in an arboreal amphitheater of Live Oaks. Envision us there: Queen Anne and I, picnic basket in hand, seeking reprieve under those leafy sentinels, feasting simply yet sumptuously, all while the tapestry of Paso unfolds beneath us.

Curious about those precision-planted vineyard rows or the storied slope where Queen Anne played Jill—her hill-tumbling fame secured? Navigate to my website <Jim’s Web> or journey to the Fine Art America Page <FAA Page>. Prepare for our next vineyard chapter—it promises to be a symposium of the senses!

Until then, keep your spirits high and your humor dry;
jw

Techniques: The Subtle Art of Polarizing in Photography

In the sprawling vineyards of Paso Robles, a polarizing filter can be as crucial to a photographer as a corkscrew is to a wine enthusiast. It enhances the lush greens of the leaves and deepens the blues of the sky, much like a fine wine enriches a meal. However, the key to using this tool is subtlety, akin to adding just a pinch of spice to perfect a dish.

While a polarizing filter can dramatically reduce glare and enrich colors, the adage “less is more” applies beautifully here. After finding the point of maximum effect by rotating the filter, dial it back a touch. This ensures the scene retains its natural charm without oversaturated colors appearing and the sky unnaturally dark.

Authenticity: Over-polarization can make your images look artificial, robbing them of their authentic feel—something significant in landscape photography, where realism is often the goal.

Dynamic Range: Maintaining some natural light reflections helps preserve the image’s dynamic range, avoiding the ‘flat’ look that can come from over-polarization.

Viewer Connection: A scene that is too perfect can feel alienating. By keeping the location more natural, your audience can connect more deeply with the image, feeling like they could enter it.

As you stand amidst the rolling hills, let your polarizing filter accentuate the contrasts and textures gently. Allow the sky to retain some lightness and the leaves their natural sheen. This way, when you capture the essence of Paso Robles’ terroir, it’s not just the vibrant colors that speak to the viewer but also the nuanced dance of light and shadow that gives the landscape life.

Think of your polarizer not as a tool to transform the scene but to refine it—bringing out its character in a way that’s palpable but not overpowering. By mastering the subtle use of this filter, your images will hold truth to nature that’s as honest and inviting as the region itself.

BTW:

Since there’s only one month left on my wall calendar, I need to order a new one for next year. If you’d like me to print a copy for you, please let me know before Thanksgiving. They’re 8½ X 11 inches on sturdy stock with a spiral ring at the top. I have no idea how much they will cost. Currently, Vista Print wants $14 apiece plus shipping, but they often mark them down later in the month. If you’re willing to roll the dice, let me know (please don’t leave your email in the comments).

Ghost Town Gears: Vulture City’s Mechanical Past Picture of the Week, Vulture City, Arizona

Antique differential gearing linked to a hit-and-miss engine, showcasing the mechanical history of Vulture City.
Vulture City’s Mechanical Tale: A Flywheel’s Connection to a Bygone Era

Welcome back, intrepid explorers, to our final haunting episode in Vulture City. Today, we’re diving deep into the mechanical heart of this ghost town and a peek at the commendable efforts by the caretakers to ensure its stories are preserved for eons to come. Remember last week’s little misadventure? Let’s stick close together; one ghostly escapade is quite enough!

This week’s spotlight is a relic from yesteryears—an old gas-powered engine. Not the vroom-vroom kind in your garage, but a stationary titan engineered to power the weighty machinery of its time. Its genius? To be fuel-efficient, it was crafted to ignite every other cycle, creating an unmistakable bang-pop-pop sound. This rhythmic cadence christened them “Hit-and-Miss” engines. Much like the nostalgic rhythm of a gramophone, the beat of these engines is Vulture City’s undying echo from the past.

Surprisingly, despite their robust build with cast iron and boilers, you rarely find them in old abandoned mines. Why? Because most were sold or, unfortunately, scavenged for scrap. But in Vulture City, these pieces of history stand tall, painting a vivid picture of the bygone era.

Visiting Vulture City is akin to stepping into a time capsule. But don’t be fooled by the town’s pristine appearance. Recent photos showcase the harrowing reality of dilapidated structures just a few years back. However, the new stewards have tirelessly worked to resurrect the town. From rusty Core 10 stainless steel rooftops to stabilized walls, every corner has been touched with care. And while some artifacts aren’t precisely period-authentic, they enhance the visitor’s experience manifold.

OMG—They Do Exist!

Humorous Halloween scene in Vulture City's brothel with playful pumpkins, hinting at a night of mischief.
Haunted Brothel: Pumpkins Celebrate in Style – Have you ever wondered why the Great Pumpkin never appears before the ‘Peanuts’ character, Linus? Here’s why. The Pumpkin has better things to do than hang out with kids all night.

Have you ever met pumpkins with more charisma than the guests at some fancy parties? Thanks to Ray Villafane’s magic touch, the pumpkins at Vulture City are a sight! Having showcased his prowess on HGTV, Ray’s uncanny ability to breathe life into gourds has added a spooky charm to the town’s Halloween festivities. For a deeper dive, check out this article here. All these initiatives spotlight the town’s undying spirit and commitment to entertaining and educating visitors year-round.

Thanks for tagging along on our ghostly gallivant this month. We’ve been overjoyed to share our tales and would be thrilled to hear yours! We invite you to share your Halloween or even brothel stories in the comment section below. Drop by my website for a closer peek at the engine here, or visit its gallery on Fine Art America here. Next week? A new location and saga you won’t want to miss. Be sure to tune in.

Till next time, keep your spirits high and your humor dry.
jw

Techniques: Shapes as Compositional Muses

Close your eyes and imagine… Oh wait, bad idea! Let’s explore the transformative power of shapes in photography. Do you think a plain signpost is mundane? Tilt it a bit, and you’ve got a story! Here’s a dive into how shapes craft a picture’s narrative:

  • Horizontal Lines: These lines evoke a sense of tranquility and restfulness. Imagine the horizon during a sunset; it exudes peace and serenity.
  • Vertical Lines: These lines impart strength, rigidity, and stability. Think of towering skyscrapers or tall trees reaching up to the sky.
  •  Circles: Representing wholeness and unity, circles can create a focal point that keeps the viewer’s eye engaged. The never-ending loop of a circle often symbolizes the circle of life or eternity.
  •  Triangles: Triangles can provide a sense of balance and stability in a composition, often directing the viewer’s eye to the top or base of the triangle. They can be dynamic or stable depending on their orientation.
  • Curves and S-Curves: These lines are graceful, flowing, and can be sensuous. S-curves, in particular, can guide the viewer’s eye through the composition, providing depth and interest. Picture a winding river through a landscape; it captivates the viewer into the scene.

Mining Memories: The Silent Sentinels of Vulture City Picture of the Week - Vulture City, Arizona

Headframe: Vulture City's towering relic from its mining past
Mining Memories: The Silent Sentinels of Vulture City – Dive into Vulture City’s history, and you’ll discover mining relics, quirky tales, and even pumpkins with legs. Your unexpected desert journey awaits!

Hello again from Vulture City, where the unexpected is just another Tuesday! As I’ve continued my explorations here, I uncovered stories hidden in the shadows and surprises around every corner. I have butterflies in my stomach, and I can’t wait to tell you that I was right about those menacing pumpkins—but let’s talk about this week’s photo first, and then we’ll get to the paranormal.

Leading the tour today, we’re craning our necks to take in a lofty structure known as a headframe. No, it’s not the latest in chiropractic care; it’s an essential tool in mining. Headframes served as the backbone (pun intended) of many mines, hauling not just ore but the brave souls who ventured deep underground. While the exact inventor of the headframe remains a debate for the history books, these mechanical marvels evolved from humble hand-powered origins to the might of steam and electric prowess.

In our arid southwest, standing headframes are rarer than rain. Given that lumber had to journey to these barren expanses, and the indigenous trees weren’t quite up for the task, it’s hardly surprising. The smaller mines often skipped the theatrics, as their digs weren’t exactly the stuff of Jules Verne novels. However, tread cautiously if you’re trekking across the desert and spot one (or just heaps of sturdy wood)! There’s likely a yawning chasm lurking beneath.

The sentinel at Vulture City isn’t the grandest I’ve encountered, and it’s been repositioned away from the original mine shaft. I surmise it’s a safety maneuver to stop kiddos from taking unplanned trips down under—after all, youngsters aren’t toast. They don’t pop back out when they’re done. With its singular pulley setup, this headframe likely relied on sturdy equine muscle power. Imagine that—an equestrian gym session! These timber titans might be mute but resonate with tales of grit, ambition, and underground treasures.

When I thought Vulture City couldn’t get any more bizarre, the town proved me wrong. As I walked through the displays, I saw one building marked with a Brothel sign. Of course, I had to check it out because—that’s the kind of guy I am. I expected to see an excellent museum-style exhibit featuring swanky furniture and feather beds covered with hand-made quilts. You know, the usual dust-covered stuff. But what did I find when I walked into the Brothel’s waiting room? Three pumpkins casually lounging on the sofa, arms and legs crossed, discussing the weather (I presume—I don’t speak pumpkin). But the moment they saw me, it was like I’d flipped on the lights in a New York City apartment at midnight—those pumpkins scattered faster than… well, pumpkins with legs!

Three orange clients spending their free time looking for social media.
Ghostly Gourds: An Unexpected Brothel Encounter – You’ll never know who’s already in line when you unannounced into a brothel’s waiting room.

I was lucky that I already had my camera at the ready. I was able to squeeze off one clear shot before all of that dust was kicked up. They scattered in different directions so fast I sprained my eyeballs tracking them. You see—I was right about these pumpkins, and unlike the fuzzy Sasquatch photos you see in the check-out counter rags, this one’s sharp as a tack.

As we inch closer to the spookiest day of the year, keep your camera ready, and more importantly, keep a wooden stake and garlic clove nearby! Who knows what might be lurking around the next corner? If you’d like to examine the headframe closer, it’s on my website (Jim’s Web page) and a page at Fine Art America (FAA Link). Join me next week as we conclude our Vulture City voyage and, fingers crossed, solve the pumpkin enigma.

Till then, keep your spirits high and your humor dry!
jw

Techniques: The Art of Capturing the Unexpected

The most mesmerizing snaps in photography often arise from serendipity—like those jaw-dropping space launch vistas captured by eagle-eyed air travelers. Hence, when queried about the best camera, I quip, “The one you’ve got handy,” which, nowadays, is probably your phone.
Photography, much like life, is peppered with unforeseen marvels. Whether it’s anthropomorphic pumpkins or whimsical backdrops, mastering these fleeting instances demands foresight and improvisation. Here’s my toolkit for seizing the spontaneous:

• Stay Vigilant: Your camera should be an extension of your arm. Magic rarely sends an RSVP.
• Opt for Rapid Shutter: The key to pinning down swift, fleeting moments in pristine clarity.
• Experiment with Perspectives: An unusual viewpoint can accentuate the oddities of a scene.
• Keep a Cool Head: When faced with the unexpected, breathe, tweak, and click.
• Welcome the Unscripted: Don’t shun the anomalies; let them enhance your photographic narrative.

Remarkable snapshots often sprout from impromptu events. So, let spontaneity be your muse, and you might clinch that once-in-a-lifetime frame.

BTW:

I just added another YouTube video to my On the Road series. This one covers my Arizona Mountain Portfolio. If you’d like to watch this six minutes of eye candy, you can see it here: https://youtu.be/pN0dbZ2tBj8

Desert Artistry: Vulture City’s Frankentruck Picture of the Week - Wickenburg, Arizona

Patchwork truck made from various parts, standing guard outside Willard Miller station in Vulture City, Arizona
Desert Artistry: Vulture City’s Frankentruck – Patchwork truck made from various parts, standing guard outside Willard Miller station in Vulture City, Arizona

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Money can’t buy you happiness?’ Well, Henry Wickenburg might’ve echoed that sentiment. While our Prussian immigrant struck gold in the quartz shelf, there’s a vast difference between finding and monetizing gold. Being a prospector and not a miner, Henry didn’t venture much further than his initial discovery. Delving deeper into the earth to pursue gold requires a workforce and resources. And before we wade into the treacherous waters of math (and I’m watching Queen Anne for any eye-rolling), it’s essential to understand the intricacies of return on investment.

Although the Vulture Mine produced gobs of gold—the top gold-producing mine in Arizona history—it wasn’t that profitable. Its poor standing is because the mine is out in the middle of nowhere, with no water, timber, transportation, or other resources needed to bring the yellow ore to the market. The nearest river is the Hassayampa, some 12 miles away. In 1864, you couldn’t just stroll to your local Harbor Freight and grab a generator. Those hefty stamp mills required steam, which needed water and fuel, be it wood or coal. So, the ore dug from the Vulture Mine had to be hauled to the mills for processing, either by pack mules, wagons, or in your pockets.

Henry’s solution was genius. He sold the diggings to speculators by the ton. It’s sort of like people buying unclaimed storage units at auctions. Buyers paid a set price at the mine and transported it to the river mills. Sometimes they made money; sometimes they didn’t. But Henry always got his cut.

Funny thing about naming towns back then. Often, they didn’t have formal names until a need arose. When the community sent a plea for protection against marauding tribes to the Army, the soldiers referred to their destination as the return address on the letter—Wickenburg Ranch. At his ranch, Henry lived a comfortable life. Investors like Baron Goldwasser (Goldwater) threw money at him, and he was able to give back to the growing community. He donated land for the town’s first church and invested in the hair-brain start-up company Jack Swilling’s Ditch Company—which you may better know by its current name, the Salt River Project. But as he aged, he gave a large chunk of his fortune to his caretaker, Jesus Maria Martinez.

In 1905, in a plot twist befitting a murder mystery, Henry was found dead with a gunshot to the head. And though the gun was right next to him and was ruled a suicide, not everyone was convinced. The twists? The bullet wound was on his right temple, despite Henry being left-handed. Just last week, an article in the Wickenburg Sun questioned the shooting. The people the paper interviewed called for a new investigation using modern forensic tools. They implied that his caretaker was involved in the death to get the rest of Henry’s money.

This week’s photograph makes me smile. What seemed like another rusted relic was an artist’s whimsical touch—a sculpture concocted from disparate vehicle parts welded together to birth this fantastical mine truck. Other than an art piece, it’s useless; it doesn’t have an engine or frame, and the barrel is held in place with chains. Its colorful yellow cab certainly caught my eye and is the essence of mining equipment at ¾ scale.

Pumpkin sitting on a window ledge of an old, cracked wall in Vulture City.
Pumpkin’s Silent Vigil in Deserted Cabin – Pumpkin sitting on a window ledge of an old, cracked wall in Vulture City.

On a darker note, there’s an issue with this week’s other photo. When I went inside the assay house, I saw the crumbling plaster and deep window frame needed when building with adobe blocks. So, I took this shot using the wonderful natural window light. But when I viewed it on my computer—I saw the pumpkin. It wasn’t there when I took the shot—I swear. I warned you from the outset of this series there’s something spooky and evil about these creatures.

Thanks for joining our journey through Vulture City’s history. Do drop by next week as we delve into the town’s leaner times. If you want to examine the ‘art’ truck closer, please visit my website (Jim’s Website) or the page I created on Fine Art America (FAA Link). In the comments below, we’d love your stories of makeshift repairs, gold mining, or mysterious pumpkins.

Till next time
jw

Techniques: Enhancing Photo Narratives

What’s your story? Um, let me rephrase that. What are you thinking about when you take a photograph? No doubt, you’ve heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” As a photographer, those words should be reverberating through your head while looking through your lens. If you’re memorializing your kid’s first step, your wet dog’s first bath, or taking a shot of your cat napping on the windowsill (ew), snap the shutter—capture that unique moment. But then, you should think, “How can I frame this better?” Look beyond your subject. Is there too much clutter in the rest of the frame that you can eliminate by moving closer? Is there something that you can include to support the story? I always take at least two shots, but not identical (unless I know I blurred the first one). In my subsequent attempts, I either move or shift the camera and when I edit, I pick out the better photo and hide the rest. You have to be ruthless about that.

Take this week’s photo, for example. I could have framed the Frankentruck tighter and let it fill the frame. But I included the fake gas station because it tells a richer story. Over the past two weeks, I’ve presented two versions of the same photo. A building in decay with an old vehicle in front of it. But their stories are different. In Echos of a Bygone Era, we see the assay office with a rusted hulk out front. The car supports the building by introducing a period into it. On the other hand, this week’s Frankentruck is the subject, and the shed adorned with auto memorabilia gives it context. You understand the truck’s purpose—everything else is the movie set.

So, always seize the fleeting moments when you’re out with your camera. Yet, elevating your narrative is about more than just a click; it’s about the intention behind that click. Every frame is a canvas, every shot an opportunity to share a tale. With each focused intention and deliberate choice, you’re not just taking photos but crafting stories. And trust me, with time and practice, this art of visual storytelling becomes an innate part of your craft.

Echoes of a Bygone Era: Vulture City’s Assay Office and Vintage Relic Picture of the Week - Vulture City, Arizona

Historic rock-faced Assay Office in Vulture City with a rusted 30s-era Ford sedan in the foreground, set against a clear blue sky.
Echoes of a Bygone Era: Vulture City’s Assay Office and Vintage Relic – Vulture City’s Assay Office: Where tales of gold and dreams converged, with the silent witness of a bygone era—the rusted Ford—standing guard.

Welcome back to the ever-mystifying Vulture City. Every corner here whispers tales of yesteryear, and as we look closer, I must admit it feels like someone—or something—is watching. Spine-tingling.

Imagine our main character, Henry Wickenburg. Not your typical gold-seeking caricature, but a slender gentleman in a coat and tie. I know; I, too, sometimes imagine prospectors as chubby caricatures in tattered hats with picks in hand, somewhat like that character the Arizona Lottery loves to flaunt. But Henry? Far from it. This Prussian immigrant, born Johannes Henricus Wickenburg, once mined coal back in his homeland and found himself on the wrong side of the law for poaching the King’s coal on the family farm. Landing in New York in 1847, the lure of California’s gold rush pulled him westward to San Francisco.

Henry’s journey, like my attempt at a diet, seemed doomed. He hit the Bay area just after the gold had panned out. Journeying further, he reached Yuma, only to find he was late to the party again when prospector A.H. Peeples and his crew discovered the Rich Hill find. Still, Henry, ever the optimist, pitched his camp beside the Hassayampa River, holding onto his golden dreams.

Then, as luck would have it, during an expedition with King Woolsey—an Arizona rancher, businessman, and Lieutenant-Colonel in the Arizona Militia—Henry spotted a promising quartz outcrop. While he failed to convince his comrades to investigate, he returned the following year in May 1864 with a new crew. They filed a claim, establishing the Vulture Mining District, and birthed one of Arizona’s most prolific gold mines. But as you’d expect in such tales, it wasn’t all peaches and cream, but more on that next week.

Today, the assay office stands proudly, echoing those golden times. Its walls, crafted from mine tailings rumored to contain gold, house tales of affluence and decline. The preservation efforts by the current owners ensure that its stories won’t crumble to dust. Though not from the gold rush era, the yard’s rusting Ford provides a curious juxtaposition against this historical backdrop.

Stay tuned as next week, we’ll dig deeper into the Vulture Mine’s intricate tapestry. To get up close with the Assay Office, swing by my Website (Jim’s web page) or its dedicated Fine Art America Page (FAA link). And, with Halloween around the corner, beware of the naughty pumpkins lurking in the shadows. Stick close, and stay alert.

Until next time
jw

Techniques: The Evolution of Architectural Perspective—From View Cameras to Photoshop.

Those towering buildings can play tricks on the eye in architectural photography. Point your camera up or down, and suddenly, those sturdy, straight lines appear to lean and converge. We’ve all seen those dramatic New York skyscraper shots that seem to stretch forever into the sky, making the buildings look as if they’re toppling.

Photographers had two main tools to correct this perspective distortion in the days before digital took over. The first was the view camera—which looks like an accordions and requires you to drape a cloth over your head. These cameras allowed for lens and film plane adjustments, ensuring buildings stood tall in photos. But they were bulky, required a tripod, and slowed you down.

Then, there was a clever darkroom method for those who didn’t have access to a view camera or wanted to correct images in post-production. Photographers could wrestle those leaning lines back into place by tilting the easel while projecting the negative. It was a delicate dance: tilt too much, and parts of the image would blur. While not as precise as today’s tools, it showcased the hands-on artistry of photography.

With the digital era in full swing, these older techniques are primarily of historical interest. Software like Photoshop provides a handy lens correction tool that quickly straightens skewed perspectives, found under Filter→Lens Correction.

Consider this week’s image of the Vulture City Assay office. I got up close and personal with my wide-angle lens to capture the sedan and the chimney. However, this meant some verticals weren’t… well, vertical. Enter Photoshop’s lens correction tool. After a few tweaks, everything was right again.

However, as with all things digital, this magic touch has critics. Some purists argue that such corrections can degrade image quality. While this is a valid concern, especially for large prints, it’s generally a non-issue for images meant for online display. Like with any tool, the key is using it judiciously.