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Herb York, the proprietor of Anacortes Telescope, monitors the uploaded images going into their gallery. Once a day he posts a shot deemed exceptional, The Anacortes Photo of the Day (APOTD). This image is placed on their Astromart page and archived in the POTD section where people can comment or view the photographs as they wish. The list below, linked to their archive, is my images that over this period have been selected: |
January 16, 2007 - Mandarin Duck
January 5, 2007 - Yellow-crowned Night-Heron & Reflection
December 7, 2006 - Pair of Black Swans
December 3, 2006 - Tak FRC & Twin Refractors
October 29, 2006 - Kites
August 20, 2006 - Buck Mule Deer
July 27, 2006 - Osprey Lunch
May 7, 2006 - Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann3
October 17, 2005 - The Elephant's Trunk (vdB142)
July 5, 2005 - Fore & Main
September 20, 2003 - Antares/Rho Ophiuchus Complex
I think perhaps all photographers are passionate about sharing their work or getting it ‘out there’ for others to view and (hopefully) enjoy. My experience indicates that this passion with imagers can take many forms. I know people in astrophotography that email their images immediately upon final enhancement in Photoshop or other software to the two major astronomy publications hoping to see the image appear someday in print. And sometimes, these images do get published...
I’ve had some images placed in print or used in articles but generally I try not to get wrapped up in this pursuit and have never formally sent an astroimage to any of the magazines for publication. We imagers are a competitive group overall, there is little doubt about that. However, since my change over to CCD in astronomy in lieu of film imaging, I have yet to get on top of the learning curve in this endeavor. This isn’t an equipment failure or anything of the kind, my gear is first rate although I’ve had some issues moving up into the level I now find myself. More than anything, it’s the time required and our Maine weather patterns that preclude what imagers require most, clear sky conditions and time to test and refine equipment and supporting software, which is becoming more complex with each upgrade. As in most things you get out of it what you put in and one requires the conditions and time to practice this art until becoming proficient. I didn’t make a 2007 New Year resolution or anything, although there is much self improvement I should be entertaining, but I have decided to make an effort to take advantage of whatever useable sky conditions we may receive this winter while I’m not so busy traveling for work.
Earthbound imaging shares much of the same common elements. I have been active in bird photography particularly of late and enjoy this pursuit. I have come far with this in a short time and friends and colleagues that view my images are supportive and complimentary. Many that know me through my employment or other avenues are surprised at what they perceive as exceptional work when they see my photography in my office or elsewhere (gleaned from their comments, not stating my 'humble' opinion). The consensus appears to be that I’m a skilled photographer with an eye for detail and composition. Nice to hear? Absolutely, but photography is like anything else, there are many professional imagers that make their livelihood shooting every day. Trying to match wits & talent with these photographers is a daunting task and I doubt many of us have the financial resources or time to commit to this endeavor to be successful. I image the night sky, landscapes and animals because I enjoy it… If I didn’t have this website most would never see my images or even be able to critique my efforts. This pursuit has brought me much fulfillment and enjoyment - Because of this I am indeed a successful photographer…
I sometimes chuckle thinking that someday I’ll drop dead of a heart attack and my family will wonder just what to do with my many books on astronomy, the American Civil War, WWII, general history and birding; the multiple file cabinets I have chock full of service records from the National Archives and genealogical information on our family, my guitars & related equipment, two Harley Davidson motorcycles, my optical equipment and the plethora of other treasures one can accumulate over time…I’ve seen this first-hand through personal experience, one man’s treasure is another’s trash. I must have close to two hundred of my images ArtiPlaq™ mounted or framed between work and home….