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Archive 2024 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)

  
 
Bill Gass
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p.2 #1 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Bruce,
Your story is very touching, hope you can keep moving forward with good thoughts of your past and the future.
These pictures are quite amazing and you did a wonderful job and wow, what a variety as well. The Red Fox is quite a catch, love it.



Feb 16, 2024 at 09:18 PM
Erictator
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p.2 #2 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Bruce, for me the winner is number 4 which reminds of a wood block print, closely followed by the popular number 1.

Your story grips me in ways you might not have imagined, as you have laid bare insecurities that I confess target me at times as someone who has been married 37yrs myself to my best friend. I suppose this is the price of such a close relationship, that we would tend to feel the loss even more so. Sometimes early on I selfishly hoped I'd go first, but then as I watched others pass and see what their companions went through, I reversed that thought, and want to outlast her, so she feels taken care of and never alone, right to the end. I actually started paying more attention to my health and put my pride aside and do all the stuff the docs ask of me to stay healthy. Who knows how it will go down, but at least I've made my peace with it knowing I'm giving it my best.

Funny how we instinctively use photography as our creative outlet, our safety valve so to speak, and at other times as our life line, anchoring us to the familiar... And I do find my mood effects my image's. I tend to wear one ear bud when I'm hiking and out shooting (only one for safety reasons, I don't like things sneaking up on me or missing a bird call) but the music choice and the pace I set from it all melds into the process and is part of what makes it therapeutic.

I am happy you pushed through and made the trip and am sure she would approve as well. I pray you find that elusive peace you seek and am also very much looking forward to the remainder of your trips images over time as you process them.

Eric



Feb 16, 2024 at 10:05 PM
OwlsEyes
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p.2 #3 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Bill Gass wrote:
Bruce,
Your story is very touching, hope you can keep moving forward with good thoughts of your past and the future.
These pictures are quite amazing and you did a wonderful job and wow, what a variety as well. The Red Fox is quite a catch, love it.


Thank you on both front Bill...
Hokkaido Japan is "magic" for wildlife photographers that appreciate a bit of simplicity in their images.
cheer,
bruce



Feb 17, 2024 at 07:35 AM
OwlsEyes
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p.2 #4 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Erictator wrote:
Bruce, for me the winner is number 4 which reminds of a wood block print, closely followed by the popular number 1.

Your story grips me in ways you might not have imagined, as you have laid bare insecurities that I confess target me at times as someone who has been married 37yrs myself to my best friend. I suppose this is the price of such a close relationship, that we would tend to feel the loss even more so. Sometimes early on I selfishly hoped I'd go first, but then as I watched others pass and see what their companions
...Show more

Eric,
Thank you for the kind comments about my images and for thoughtful response and your candid thoughts about the partnership you have with your spouse. I am a recently retired biology teacher who has had the good fortune of finding the right partner in life and right career. Neither of us led a glamorous life, but we both happily embraced the opportunity to travel and experience life's adventures. Throughout my career I would preach the oft used "YOLO" (you only live once) to my students. I'd say the phrase to remind them of the importance of their school work and the importance of experiencing life's little and big moments.
Tamy and I lived a YOLO life within some practical limits. We'd spend on travel beyond our means, but always found a way to to even the financial books, and we'd take risks to achieve desired experiential goals. Bottom line,... we lived a full life together with no regrets about the things we did.
So with that, I suggest that you do the same... do the things you want to do with your partner so that whenever the inevitable occurs, you'll have lived a rich life with few regrets.

cheers,
bruce



Feb 17, 2024 at 07:42 AM
Phil Seu
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p.2 #5 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Great images.

Phil



Feb 17, 2024 at 07:57 AM
deke4774
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p.2 #6 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


That is a beautiful series of images of species that are on my bucket list.
Thank you for sharing them and for sharing your story.
Everyone processes grief differently, and I'm happy that you are moving in a direction where you can move forward towards coping with your loss.

Derek



Feb 17, 2024 at 08:09 AM
Chris Baten
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p.2 #7 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Hi Bruce, just returned to this forum after plus or minus 15 years, going through some of the posts to see where things stand.

Without reading your personal story I looked through this series with much enjoyment as I was touched by the expressive atmosphere you created in many of them. It gave them a personality, truly the inspiration I am looking for, as many of the other posts I went through were technically perfect, but in many cases also were lacking some 'life', something which I recognize all too much from my own shots. Like everybody I also like to 'get the shot' (and I am quite jealous of the technical quality I have seen in many of the current posts), but the pictures I return to to watch are always the ones with this 'personality', pictures which connect to you, which grab you.
Somebody mentioned 'bucket list shots', but these go way beyond that.
I did not check out any of your other work yet, but you sure raised the bar with these.

Please know that the comments above were already in my mind before reading about your loss and my response came straight from the way your shots connected with me.
Especially #1, but also #4 and #7. Looking forward to more.

I also wish you all the strength you need to deal with your loss. Take care, Chris



Feb 20, 2024 at 05:40 PM
gerov
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p.2 #8 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


My condolences for your loss, Bruce. I appreciate your courage in sharing your challenges with us, and hope that this helps you take the steps that you can to move on. And to take a trip like this. I am sure your wife is smiling down on you for having gone, and perhaps having a chuckle that you only have 12,988 more images to process.

They are all beautiful images, and in addition to your first one, I very much appreciate the softness that the mist introduces into the others, giving them the mystical quality that I imagine Japan having.

Stay strong, and continue to find peace.

Gero



Feb 20, 2024 at 06:09 PM
Ted ellis
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p.2 #9 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


My heart goes out to you Bruce. I hope your photography gives you direction and a certain level of peace.

Ted



Feb 20, 2024 at 06:50 PM
OwlsEyes
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p.2 #10 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Phil Seu wrote:
Great images.

Phil


Thanks Phil!
---------------------------------------------

deke4774 wrote:
That is a beautiful series of images of species that are on my bucket list.
Thank you for sharing them and for sharing your story.
Everyone processes grief differently, and I'm happy that you are moving in a direction where you can move forward towards coping with your loss.

Derek


Thanks Derek for the compliment and the kind sentiment.
Japanese winter wildlife was on my "bucket list." I'm really glad that made the trip happen. If you decide to go, I fully recommend traveling with Martin Bailey. His tour is first rate... you won't be disappointed.

cheers,
bruce
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Chris Baten wrote:
Hi Bruce, just returned to this forum after plus or minus 15 years, going through some of the posts to see where things stand.

Without reading your personal story I looked through this series with much enjoyment as I was touched by the expressive atmosphere you created in many of them. It gave them a personality, truly the inspiration I am looking for, as many of the other posts I went through were technically perfect, but in many cases also were lacking some 'life', something which I recognize all too much from my own shots. Like everybody I also like
...Show more

Hello Chris...
Thank you very much for your detailed comments, and sharing how my images made you feel and reflect on photography. I've been shooting since the 1980's and have developed a style that fits the way I view the world. Some people dislike my work because it is often less than technically strong, some think it's meh, and others like the way I see. I have grown accustomed to both rejection and support. In the end, my photography is a reflection of me... moody, stoic, and occasionally playful.
I really appreciate what you've shared.
Thanks and regards,
bruce
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gerov wrote:
My condolences for your loss, Bruce. I appreciate your courage in sharing your challenges with us, and hope that this helps you take the steps that you can to move on. And to take a trip like this. I am sure your wife is smiling down on you for having gone, and perhaps having a chuckle that you only have 12,988 more images to process.

They are all beautiful images, and in addition to your first one, I very much appreciate the softness that the mist introduces into the others, giving them the mystical quality that I imagine Japan having.

Stay strong,
...Show more

Gero,
Thank you for the condolence and kind reflection about the photos. Yes, I am certain that Tamy would roll her eyes and have a good laugh at all of the editing I have to do. About 5 years ago we discussed taking this trip when I retired. I really wish that we could have done it together, sadly life rarely follows the master plans we craft. While Tamy was not physically with me, I brought her memory wherever I went.
Regarding the photos, I like a softer and more ethereal photograph than one that is sharp and contrasty. While I use one of Nikon's sharpest lenses (if not the sharpest) for much of my wildlife photography, I am fond of softening the photos with a glow or Often-type effect. Thanks for noticing it
cheers,
bruce
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Ted ellis wrote:
My heart goes out to you Bruce. I hope your photography gives you direction and a certain level of peace.

Ted


Thank you Ted... you are too kind

bruce



Feb 20, 2024 at 09:53 PM
Desmolicious
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p.2 #11 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


I had no idea you were going through this Bruce. Thank you for sharing your emotions, it’s not always an easy thing to do but can be very cathartic releasing what you are feeling to the world.

The first pic with the cranes is just wonderful -almost an abstract and it really does reflect the location of the shot. It feels like a Japanese piece of art.



Feb 20, 2024 at 11:45 PM
K mueller
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p.2 #12 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


These are awesome! Looking forward to seeing more from your trip.


Feb 21, 2024 at 12:59 AM
Ronny Olsson
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p.2 #13 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Just a stunning set !

Ronny



Feb 21, 2024 at 02:02 PM
birdied
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p.2 #14 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


I am so very sorry for your loss. Your photography has always been and continues to be a joy to view .
This marvelous set is no exception. All beautifully done. Glad that nature and your love of photography can provide some peace and comfort for you. Thank you for not only sharing your work but your story and the emotions.

Birdie



Feb 21, 2024 at 07:15 PM
OwlsEyes
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p.2 #15 · Back from Japan... first images here in a long while (story and pics)


Desmolicious wrote:
I had no idea you were going through this Bruce. Thank you for sharing your emotions, it’s not always an easy thing to do but can be very cathartic releasing what you are feeling to the world.

The first pic with the cranes is just wonderful -almost an abstract and it really does reflect the location of the shot. It feels like a Japanese piece of art.


Thanks for the kind note Huss... life has its interesting twists and turns. I am thankful that I have this passion for photography, as it has been a healthy crutch as a learn to live without Tamy and emotionally heal.

As for the cranes, well they were a highlight of the trip. I was looking to produce images that border on abstractions; they are the perfect muse for this type of photography.

bruce
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K mueller wrote:
These are awesome! Looking forward to seeing more from your trip.


Thanks you very much
---------------------------------------------

Ronny Olsson wrote:
Just a stunning set !

Ronny


Thanks Ronny
---------------------------------------------

birdied wrote:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your photography has always been and continues to be a joy to view .
This marvelous set is no exception. All beautifully done. Glad that nature and your love of photography can provide some peace and comfort for you. Thank you for not only sharing your work but your story and the emotions.

Birdie


Thank you for the kind sentiment Birdie.
I really appreciate you taking the time to offer a thoughtful comment and reflection. As I have shared throughout this thread, I am grateful for the life and 35 years of experiences I lived with Tamy. She was my "soul mate," and a waking hours rarely goes by without thinking about her.
I think that I am fortunate to have this passion for nature and photography, as it has been the healthy distraction that I need as I process my grief and loss.
cheers,
bruce



Feb 23, 2024 at 08:52 PM
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