New Banner.......Details

A view from the top of Loveland Pass will be my New Banner for the next few month:

Taken earlier this spring, it is a panorama composite of two Mamiya 6X6 images, taken with E100VS film.  And showing some of that 200% snow pack that kept people skiing through July 4th at Arapahoe Basin (right of center, far horizon around the bend).

The Worst Day of My Life, One Year Later............

The worst day of my life, one year later..........on 7/22/2010 I was diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer.  I remember the oncologist asking me how far I was willing to go; how much I could endure?  I told him that I would do anything to survive! 8 months of chemotherapy; bilateral mastectomy with 8 weeks surgical recovery; 12 weeks of intensive physical therapy;  33 daily radiation treatments; soon finishing 1 year of imunotherapy on September 8th.

One year later, I only now realize everything that I've been through; but I also rejoice in the heroic efforts to give me my life back!  And whether or not you knew, blogging gave me a much needed distraction;  something to do that didn't have anything to do with being ill; a reason to go out and photograph on the weekends that I did feel better.

Me, Andy and my new hair (that came back curly for some reason).

Now I feel such an urgency to live; tremendous forward momentum; promises of a new beginning.  I can still hug my little dog and smile ;=)

Thanks to all of you!

Billion Pixel 'Camera'

For you digital enthusiasts.  A camera to salivate over:  European Space Agency to launch billion pixel camera with Gaia Telescope.  Actually a mosaic of sensors, each about the size of a credit card:
http://www.esa.int/export/esaSC/SEMQ9V6TLPG_index_0.html

Going to need a lot of storage space!

A Different Kind of Contrast

After two weeks or so of afternoon monsoon rains we head back to higher than normal summer temperatures.  A few weeks ago we reached a near record high:

But a few months ago a record low:

Now that's a definition of Contrast!

Film Test Part VII: White Balance

From the total tonal range, you tell me which is which?

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