End of the Season?

About a year ago someone told me that they never learned how to ride a bike.

I was, and still am, astounded.

After riding pretty much every day for the last four months, it's probably time to hang it up for the year. With the temperature at 19˚ and a wind chill just above zero, it's really starting to get miserable out there. It's not so much the temperature or the wind chill, but pedaling into a 30-mph wind. Like just about any other outdoor activity, it's quite comfortable if you dress for the weather.

Can't wait 'til Spring.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay County, Michigan.

Thumb Road Trip

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Huron County, Michigan.

Limestone

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Mackinac County, Michigan.

A Triptych back to my Past

Once upon a time, before I became a newspaper photographer, I made photographs somewhat like these images, but I used film instead.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay County, Michigan

Modest Sphinx moth

Last week while kayaking in Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula, I found this large moth with a fur-like body floating in the St. Marys River. Nudging it with my paddle I discovered the moth was still alive so I scooped it up onto the bow of the kayak.

After returning to shore, I scrounged a piece of birch bark, set up the camera and tripod, and made this photo.

A week later, with a somewhat lengthy search on the different kinds of moths, I'm surprised at just how many species there actually are.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Chippewa County, Michigan.

Road Trip

A few years ago I had the good fortune of acquiring the classic book "Road Trip" by Aaron Siskind. Now I see those tar doodles everywhere I go...

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Chippewa County, Michigan.

A New Cloud?

That's right, a new cloud formation called asperatus clouds, or its proposed Latin name, Undulus asperatus. While reading the online NG article I recalled making a photograph of those clouds just over two years ago. Inconclusive results suggest these clouds may be an indicator of climate change.

Image © 2007, Daniel Staudacher || Essexville, Michigan

The Dude

Ran into The OctoDude on the street today. I was scared...

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay City, Michigan.

Oh, The Times They are A-Changin'

Got the word today that my employer will follow the Detroit Free Press and News' business model publishing only three days a week starting in June. This was not a surprise, as rumors filled the newsroom a week or so ago. Today those "rumors" were confirmed.

In addition, it was also announced today that 30-percent of the remaining staff would be cut, myself included.

So, come the end of May, when I finish my career as a newspaper photographer, I will wish my fellow co-workers who stay on the best of luck, because frankly, they've got a steep hill to climb. We had some great times together and I'm gonna miss some of those folks...

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Over the past few months, with the possibility of job loss looming, I created my own website. Assembling a collection of galleries really helped to clarify what I want to achieve as photographer. And what I realized, is, I'll always be a photographer. Regardless if someone pays me or not. The great thing now is that I can concentrate on what I want to photograph. For the first time in many years I am optimistic and excited about my photographic future.

Truth be told, I'll be happy to wash my hands from all the newspaper industry doom and gloom.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay City, Michigan.

Ice Abstract

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Ice fragment atop of wind-blown ice pilings along the shore of Saginaw Bay at the Bay City State Recreation Area.

My Fine Feathered Friend

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Black-capped chickadee, Hartwick Pines, Michigan.