Summer 2005 Organic Light Photography Newsletter
|
Dear Friends, Patrons and Supporters of Organic Light,
Organic Light Photography - Issue #7 Summer 2005 Newsletter
--------------
SUMMER MESSAGE
--------------
Well we have seen a very tumultuous summer. From the bombings in London, to the famine in Niger that threatens 9 million human beings who are starving as I type and to the escalating war in Iraq and tensions in the Middle east. Not a nice way to begin this summer's newsletter. At every turn, we seem to be tearing ourselves apart more and more, becoming more fragmented as a species as we quibble and squabble over the paltry remains of species long gone for more than a million years. You would think that we would take a lesson from that and know that we too will meet our demise. Hmmm? It leaves me wondering if we can every sort all of this out?
I wandered around quite a bit this summer. I conducted three photographic workshops and exhibited at several art shows (some successful and some not) photographing the whole way through. When I sat myself down this past week to review the images I captured and update the website I found that I had a “hodge-podge” of images that did not cohesively come together with any theme, nor any locale nor any specific subject. Images captured at the spur of a moment, after disappointing days at art shows, serendipitously upon discovering a new canyon, or while at work teaching others how to photograph. But then I did see a pattern and in fact, what I saw was the world itself in all of its diversity. I saw the pieces of an intricate puzzle coming together where each piece, although different, was needed to complete the world itself. A world that, despite its vastly diverse components, was and is and hopefully will be, at peace with itself as a whole.
What struck me dumb is that the natural world with its multitude of different animals, plants, insects, climates, ecosystems, and habitats was peaceful. Yet I could not fathom why we humans, a single species, were not. Why were we at each others throats? Why were we destroying each others homes? Why were we terrorizing each other? Why do we sit back and just watch the others starve? Why? I am utterly dumbfounded. When I look out and see every other creature in the earth living peacefully with its neighbor and then look at us killing each other I want to scream. My heart aches longing for peace and yet find that I have not the means to bring that about. If only people would stop long enough to realize that peace can only be had when we are whole, when we come together, when each piece of the puzzle meshes with its neighboring pieces. Our Mother Earth has been here as long as we have if not longer and has always showed us how we can live in peace. I only wish we would listen to our mother.
I hate having to leave on a sad note. But we can make a difference. Summer is the prime of the year when everything is at fullest. We too as a species is at its prime as well. So before our summer runs out on us we need to do something to make a change for the better. I know that individually what we do is only a drop in the bucket. But remember when a million rain drops fall together all at once they form a torrent that can literally move mountains. So we must all do something to try to remedy our human condition. If we could all give just one dollar to stop the famine, or raise our voice to oppose war, or just apologize to each other and begin to trust one another again we can mend our torn fabric of humanity that binds us all together. Please, for our own sake.
Peace.
------------------
ORGANIC LIGHT NEWS
------------------
This summer has been very busy here at Organic Light Photography
***
*** THE BIG NEWS: AN ORGANIC LIGHT PHOTOGRAPH WILL HANG IN THE VATICAN ***
***
YES! you read that correctly.
On August 4th, 2005 the photograph titled 'Another Time' was presented to the Archbishop William J. Levada of the San Francisco archdiocese as a gift from the San Francisco Bay Area Muslims. Several Muslim Organizations came together to congratulate the Archbishop on his appointment to the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican by the Pope. The Archbishop, a monthly visitor of Yosemite National Park, was thrilled by the gift. A 22x30 framed piece will hang in his office at the Vatican. He said the photo of El Capitan symbolizes Yosemite to him and was touched by the associated reflection.
Several different photos were under consideration for the gift but after consultations, 'Another Time' was chosen as it is representative of California's jewel that everyone loves, Yosemite National Park. It would also serve as a reminder of where the Archbishop's home is, who happens to be a native of California. It was a fortunate coincidence that the Archbishop loves Yosemite and remarked that he visits the park once a month. Strange how some things were just meant to be.
It just goes to show how a little friendly gesture can bring so much joy to so many people, as giving gifts brings hearts close together.
See the photo HERE.
***
*** Organic Light Photography - Nature Photography Workshops!!! ***
***
The April, May and July workshops were great. The participants were all very happy with the new tools and techniques they learned. I will let the testimonials of the participants speak for themselves
"I think this is one of the best training sessions I ever had. I feel that the two and a half days I spent in the
workshop were really worthwhile." - Avais Dinga, Fremont Ca.
"Gaps in my knowledge were filled, fuzzy concepts were cleared up and I learned valuable new tools" - Matt Kramer, Cotati Ca.
"I value highly your instruction and example throughout the workshop. I trust the others gained as much from the experience as I did." - Peter Neibert, Kentfield Ca.
"Workshop was a lot of fun & learned a lot & greatly enjoyed" - Jawed Umerani, Palo Alto Ca.
"Thanks for a wonderful workshop. It provided me exactly the jump start I needed. I'm feeling really excited about photography..." - Bryant Zwart, Kensington Ca.
I have one more scheduled workshop this year. It is filling up and you will not want to miss it.
October 21-24, 2005 - Big Sur's Autumn Coastline Workshop
Each workshop will include 8 hours of instruction and 1 and 1/2 days of in-field photography and instruction as well as an evening recap and review of the images made during the workshop.
The seminar portion, held at a community center in Campbell, CA and will cover:
1. Camera Systems and Operation
2. Exposure
3. Lens Selection
4. Additional Camera Accessories
5. Image Capture (Film and Digital)
6. Lighting
7. Composition
8. Field Tips
If you ever wanted to learn how to photograph the natural world, how to see the world through the lens of a camera, how to capture the beauty in the world and share it with others, then now is your chance.
So sign up now and reserve your space in one or all of the workshops.
***Space is limited to 10 seats.***
Cost for the workshop is $225.00, a great price!
Further details with all logistics and workshop locations visit the website under the Services Section.
Check it out and Reserve you space now!
----------------------
2005 ART SHOW SCHEDULE
----------------------
This year's scheduled art show's are nearly at there end. If you have not had the chance to come to one of them, well you have really got to treat yourself. Come out to the great Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. Its fun for the whole family and come by and say hello. Always glad to see my patrons.
May 14-15 Oxnard's California Strawberry Festival.
June 4-5 Thousand Oaks, CA for the Conejo Valley Art Walk
June 18-19 Marin, CA at the Marin Festival of the Arts
June 25-26 San Anselmo, CA at the San Anselmo Art and Design Festival
July 9-10 Lake Tahoe, CA for the Tahoe Arts Project Festival of Fine Art
October 15-16 Half Moon Bay, Ca for the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
And hey don't miss me at the Campbell's Farmer's Market on Sundays in downtown Campbell when I don't have a scheduled show. It would be great to see you all and even if you have run out of wall space, just stop by and say hello! Keep an eye out on the website for more show information.
-----------------------
*** SPECIAL BENEFIT ***
-----------------------
Decathlon's Art and Wine event to benefit breast cancer research.
The event is Thursday September 22nd. It begins at 6 pm and will last until 9:30 pm. There will be a silent auction, beverages and passed hors d'oeuvre. Any members or guests/public are invited to attend this event. It will cost $20 per person at the door. All proceeds will go to benefit breast cancer research. I will donate 15% of all my sales that night. So, please come and support research to cure this disease. The more you support the participating artists the more that will go to fund the research.
Location: Decathlon Club, 3250 Central Expressway, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Date: Thursday, September 22nd
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:30pm
For more information Contact:
Michele Mandell
Group Exercise Director
Aquatics Director
Decathlon Club
408-331-2932
mmnadell@decathlon-club.com
----------------
A HUMBLE REQUEST
----------------
Operating Organic Light Photography is time and capital intensive. It survives by you; my Patrons, Supporters and Friends. I am grateful that you have in the past helped Organic Light Photography with your purchase of one of my Fine Art Archival Prints or digital image for publishing or web use. My request is that you pass on this email to someone whom you think will appreciate Organic Light and would like to brighten their lives, homes, offices, or publication with some Organic Light. Your continued support and patronage is what keeps Organic Light Photography a viable source of beauty and inspiration to all and bread on my table.
I thank you for your continued support.
Enjoy The Summer!
Sincerely,
Youssef Ismail
Organic Light Photography
www.organiclightphoto.com
See The World in a New Light...
....Organic Light!
This newsletter is sent to Friends, Family, Clients, Subscribers, and other people who have had direct personal contact with our company. The list of subscribers remains a private and confidential part of our business, and you can be assured that your address is never made available to a third party under any circumstances. If you prefer to cancel your subscription to this newsletter, just let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate your wishes. |
|
|
