The Restless Photographer

06/22/2016

"The Beginning"

I came across this fractured pole, again trying to head north to head home. One side you see a stand of majestic poles; the other, a horizon dotted with splinters. The lines are hanging eerily low over the road. But as I looked closer, the left side of the pole is fractured badly & perilously close to snapping. As I'm photographing the damage, many vehicles approach. Some slow a bit, others without hesitation, drive under the lines. & each time I wonder if I'm watching an episode of World's Dumbest. The North Dakota winds are relentless today.
US National Weather Service Bismarck North Dakota

06/22/2016

I spent the morning on the Becker family farm, documenting the extensive damage left in the wake of last night's storm. Becker's Dairy took a substantial blow, not much was left unscathed. The house sustained what appeared to be only minor damage, thankfully, the family is safe, but understandably overwhelmed. Coming from a small North Dakota town myself, my heart went out to them.

I truly hope the surrounding communities band together & help the family begin to recover. I volunteered my lens this morning & offered my hands for cleanup. I would love to come back to photograph North Dakotans at their finest: neighbors lending a hand to one of their own. Please help spread the word, volunteer your service, keep them in your hearts & prayers. After all, what is North Dakota, without our family farms? It's time to bring it for the Beckers.

06/22/2016

A 360 degree view of what one family woke up to after a severe storm in the early hours of morning. Please keep this family in your thoughts & prayers. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Around 5 buildings lost, home windows broken, animals scattered from downed fences. Pickup truck severely damaged, the horse trailer that was attached lies destroyed, an incredible distance away from its origins.

US National Weather Service Bismarck North Dakota

06/22/2016

Storm spotting last night, I tracked the strongest part of a severe storm into the early morning hours. Some southern parts of ND are waking up to a lot of storm damage this morning. These are MDU H-frame power poles, 60-80 ft tall, down for many miles. Standard telephone poles, remained upright. I'm looking into a report from a local, claiming someone lost part of their farm last night.

06/11/2016

The magic of Shane Balkowitsch. Ambrotype (wet plate) photographer, breathing new life into a lost art.

06/11/2016

If you haven't seen Shane Balkowitsch in action, get to downtown Bismarck ASAP & watch a truly unique photo shoot! His work with ambrotype wet plate photography is unbelievable! Step back in time & witness photography at its roots, the process is absolutely fascinating.

Check out his work at http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/wetplate.htm

05/29/2016

I always find myself drawn to old places. Places that whisper tales of the past. If you listen closely, you can almost hear their stories. This old beauty, has been talking since 1919.

05/26/2016

'The Hand of God'

Detours. I live for them. I believe the best of life lies in the realm beyond planning. But I never could have imagined the vision Nature would present yesterday.

A love of inclement weather led to signing up as a spotter for another season. Unsettled skies led to an impromptu road trip last night, the Bismarck cell's deluge briefly rendering windshield wipers ineffective, a foot on the gas pedal brought zero acceleration. Car surfing, took on a whole new meaning.

Hitting the backroads, I positioned myself ahead of the warned areas in Kidder & Logan counties & began to shoot as the storm loomed & took shape. My greatest reward was a series of images the hand of God seemed to reach through the storm, down toward the centurial church before me.

The talkative storm with dramatic light left me rain-drenched & muddy, feeling the electricity of life coursing through my veins. Patience, brought serenity on the songs of birds & soothed the soul with a brilliant sunset. Aaah, the gifts of another day.



5/25/16

04/01/2016

An abstract to start the new month! A play of light, a play of lens, another universe unfolds right before my eyes. Quite literally, an expanding of horizons. 100% optically generated.

03/31/2016

Less than 1 week from our broadcast on Independent Lens | PBS! Broadcast Premiere on Monday, April 4 at 10pm - check here for local listings: http://itvs.org/films/welcome-to-leith

03/28/2016

"Freezin for a Reason" at the 2nd Annual Bismarck Polar Plunge! The Lady Bikers 4 Chari-Tea are a fantastic group of area women raising awareness & helping support Special Olympics North Dakota. Let's give them a hand, it's going to be a blast!

The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser organized by local law enforcement and community volunteers to raise funds and awareness for support Special Olympics North Dakota. Polar Plunges offer a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support Special Olympics by raising money and taking the plunge into cold North Dakota waters!

For tickets, donations or to start your own team: http://www.firstgiving.com/sond/2016-bismarck-polar-plunge/Teams

2016 Bismarck Polar Plunge benefiting SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTH DAKOTA

03/28/2016

"For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

And what is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountaintop, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shal claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."
— Kahlil Gibran (The Prophet)