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Zombie peanuts. (Save yourself!)
Like millions of American children this Halloween, I’m giddy from an overdose of candy. I’m not sure how many Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups I ate today — but after surveying the pile of empty wrappers a...
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Deciding how we die
I was heartbroken when I heard about Robin Williams’ suicide last August. He’d overcome so much, and in the process it seemed he’d grown wise. But I also felt betrayed. Had his unhinged joyfulness been...
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Dynamite and Prayers
Dynamite and Prayers is the title of photographer Max Becherer’s stunning new book. Although the subject is the emerald miners of Afghanistan, Max’s storytelling transports us to a sweeping landscape...
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To Paris’ helpers, with love
When I heard about the attacks in Paris last night, my first thought was my friends. They come from all walks of life: journalists, musicians, authors, photographers. One is a tour guide; another is my...
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A distant birth
One of my dearest friends turns 95 today. I can’t think of a better way to mark the occasion than through his own beautiful words, which he penned five years ago as he approached his 90th birthday....
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Looking back at 2015 — and ahead
I would love to hear your end-of-year reflections: 1. What was your greatest accomplishment? (Tell me so I can cheer for you!) 2. If you could do one thing over, what would it be? 3. What are you most...
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Portrait … or poverty porn?
One of my goals when I travel is to get beneath the touristy veneer of a city and actually interact with its people. It’s not always about photography — although I’ve gotten much more comfortable with...
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So you want to start a blog …
Skip this post if you’re a seasoned blogger. But if you’re thinking of starting a blog — like my wise and witty friend Don — here are a few pointers. “How do I start a blog?” “What should I name it?”...
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The inexplicable photography of online ads
Where do you turn for photographic inspiration? Flickr, perhaps? Or Instagram? Not me — not anymore. I turn to online auctions and classified ads. I’ve gained a bit of weight recently, for reasons I...
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Exploring Paris’ abandoned railway
Remember that day I walked 25.9 miles (41km)? Here’s one-third of the story. I first heard of the Petite Ceinture a couple of years ago through MessyNessy Chic, where one photo in particular captured...
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How to create composite photos
Have you seen that “nature photo challenge” that’s going around on Facebook? I’ve been nominated by [beloved friend] to participate in the 7-Day Nature Photography Challenge. I’ll post one photo each...
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You only get one shot at it
I was corresponding the other day with Joe at Seldom Seen Photography about the view from the top of Notre Dame cathedral (check out the last image of his beautiful post). It’s long been my favorite...
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7-Day Nature Photo Challenge (+8)
If you’ve ever considered joining a photo challenge, you know they can be a mixed blessing: On one hand, it’s fun and inspiring to see your friends’ photos. But on the other, it can be daunting to sort...
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Five more ways to get better photos
It’s been almost six months since Steve’s and my big trip, but we’ve been so busy that I haven’t dug any further into my photos than the 16 I posted last October. But two things happened last week that...
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We’re taking the Patagonian plunge
In spite of my best intentions I’ve struggled to update my blog lately. There’s much news to share, but little time — so I’ll just give you the big headline: After much soul-searching, Steve and I have...
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How to get more blog traffic
After the blogging 101 post I did in January, the question I got most consistently was, “How do I get more people to visit/follow my blog?” Here’s the best advice I can offer: Take a dip in the...
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Goodnight, sweet Prince
My only personal connection to Prince Rogers Nelson is that I once saw him walking across the street. His presence belied his tiny stature, and I thought him one of the most elegant, regal, and — yes —...
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Remembering Douglas Albert Munro
Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. — a day to remember and honor those we’ve lost to the senseless tragedy that is war. Here’s one story, about a distant relative, I first published in 2014. May Doug...
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An adventure in recorded sound
It all started with an old record. Jalal Aro wanted to hear it, but couldn’t — not without the right machine. The quest to find that machine sparked a love affair that has bloomed into a business, and...
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