Sample 148 - Sample 63, Revisited.

You've probably noticed I posted this scene again, but this is a different picture; I played with the levels and saturation more on this one. 

"And, again I say... In God we trust, because in Christ, we trust. 

'Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.' (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14 NKJV)"

- Sample 63, The Beauty In Faith

Christ established faith in us. As Christ is always with us, He develops this faith, and thank God, He is faithful to perfect this faith - He is faithful to finish the work He began in us. God is not a God of unfinished business.

There is no more room for fear. There is no more room for fear of lack or complete absence of progression. The Word says that even the righteous man may stumble seven times but he will keep coming back up. Christ is the reason why we keep coming back up. Christ is the reason we keep on going. It isn't about positive thinking more than it is about Christ-consciousness.

He is with us in the light and in the dark. He knows everything we are going through, He knows our struggles, He knows what inspires us and what drags us down... And though we may have our own ideas regarding the best possibility in every circumstance, we would do well to know that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - Yes, He Himself is all these things, and before we try to figure out His ways, before we try to think WWJD, we would do well to just remain in J's presence. 

Christ said to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness - Well, I believe Christ HIMSELF is the absolute perfect embodiment of the nature of God's Kingdom ('...peace and joy in the Holy Spirit', per Romans 14:17), and Christ Himself is not just THE Righteousness, but OUR Righteousness. 

I guess what I'm trying to say now is before we try to figure out why that rainbow is there, let's appreciate the fact that it's there. The reasons and the revelations follow. 

It's no longer a matter of us finding Christ's presence. He's the One who's with us. He's the One who never leaves nor forsakes us. He is in us, and we are in Him. Jesus paid it all. Jesus did it all. 

I remember being in a similar state of exhilaration when I saw that rainbow for the first time. Only this time, it just seems so much clearer to me that Christ's love is as uncompromising as it is unconditional, in the sense that it just keeps coming and it never stops. 

Halleluyah! What a Savior!

Sample 147 - The Range Calls

"Live first, and tell the tale when you've got nothing better to do. 

There is never a dull moment."

- Sample 146, 'Still Flourishing'

Right about this time, my brother probably stopped for us to take pictures around 20 times already, but this was one of those times when we actually got out of the car. 

When I think back at these times, I could just imagine how much of a prick I was to my parents. They were just being excited about the whole trip, and seeing as I had the DSLR, they would call me instead of my brother to take a shot of them. I would take their picture, but not before making a 'I'm not a tourist, I'm an artist' kind of smug face. 

Yes, these shots were taken during a time when, I admit, I made an ass of myself by treating my camera and my 'photography' as a status symbol. Now that I'm actually going through all these shots and now that I'm actually posting them, and now that I'm actually taking time to write about them, I feel so much better. I feel free from any presumptuous obligations and preferences I place upon myself with the ultimate purpose of presenting these pictures for the greater glory of God me. 

I suppose this has to continue to be taken offa my chest. There was a time that I would deliberately procrastinate in posting, and I would deliberately hold back from spending time to post simply until when I felt it was the perfect time. Sadly, that 'perfect time' never came, and I ended up swinging at random, choosing 'perfect' shots, making them more 'perfect' through manipulation with my 'perfect' standards in Photoshop. 

I've learned now that an imperfect shot posted is far better than a 'perfect' shot that stays on my local hard drive. Photographs are infinitely better shared.

You'll probably hear me talk about this more as I post more. It's just that I need to teach and remind myself of the value of humility and taking action more and more every day. Just like I need to keep reminding myself that I am driven and established not by the fear of failure and rejection but by God's perfect love for me. 

These shots have stayed stagnant long enough, I say. 

Enjoy these panoramas... at the time I really took them seriously. Nowadays taking them with the X-E2 is a cakewalk. 

There is never a dull moment. 

Close-Up

Blown-Up

One Last Shot Of The 'Bristlecone' Pine

My blessed brother and my wonderful parents. 

My wonderful mother. Yes, it was pretty windy out at this time. 

Sample 146 - Still Flourishing

"The mountains and hills seemed to go on and on into the distance, and though that could have been picture perfect in itself, it seems as if The Lord was saying, 'You ain't seen nuthin' yet, son!' as a cloud in the distance burst with rain over the rolling landscape." 

- Sample 145, 'From A High Point'

I couldn't remember whether the rains subsided, or it seemed as if we were led to another side of the mountain on the way down, just to see even more things, to take more pictures. 

It's because just like that, the grey clouds were gone, and we were brought back to a viewpoint which was more overcast. I wasn't bothered by this at all; in fact, I was fascinated by what I saw next: trees that as far as I knew were known as Bristlecone pines. 

Hi, I'm Troy McTree. You might remember me from previous blog posts such as Sample 73 - Still Standing. 

Okay, I just did a quick Google search and no, these aren't Bristlecone pines... but they do look like they've been alive for quite some time. Older than my father? Probably. Older than me? Definitely. 

It gets me thinking about my current endeavors to blog and to write and to post and to share. I remember posting once, that there's so much life going on to write about it all. Now this may be true, but I suppose I would rather live that way instead of the other way around - more to write about than to live for. Seeing how these pines were still standing, how this one in particular was still blooming, I guess a lesson for me to take from this is that there's always time for writing, and time for living. 

That sounds just like something King Solomon would say. In this day and age, He would write it as part of Ecclesiastes 3, 'A time to blog, and a time to... what, live? Experience?' 

Now that I think about it, it would have been plenty awkward if I insisted on writing all about this while I was up there, with my family waiting, with the clock running... 

Live first, and tell the tale when you've got nothing better to do. 

There is never a dull moment. 

Sample 145 - From A High Point

**I am free. I enjoy it now in particular considering the shackles and chains that dragged me down before freedom came. And it isn't because of anything I did that I became free; no, it is Christ who set me free, and it is for freedom that He set me free.

This is probably why I'm a little more vocal now, a little more willing to type whatever I need to type, no longer compromising and even thinking about the reaction of other people. That stuff dragged me down.

Anyway, I was in the process of trying to document that one magical trip we had last 2008 to the Rockies, and I got sidetracked. I intend to continue it now, with a greater awareness of this freedom from the fear that holds me back.

That had to be said before I went on.**

Now, I remember that when we were in the summit of Mount Evans, or at least at the highest point where our car could reach, I was so overcome by emotion that of all things, I gathered my brother and parents into the car and we prayed. We claimed the nation for Christ. We declared blessings for the nation. I don't really remember any other points we expressed but that seemed to stick out. 

I was high. Between being so excited about seeing snow for the first time and just trying as much as I could to suck in all of God's glory seen in the mountains and trees, I felt God's goodness - His utter goodness which, as the Word declares, leads to repentance. I was high.

Alas, the time came for us to leave. The sun was setting - or rather, it was just getting darker. We had to drive back down. I don't remember what we were talking about, and perhaps we were just enjoying the worship songs being played on the stereo, but it wasn't long until I saw something that just needed to be taken by my humble, handy dandy D40. 

The mountains and hills seemed to go on and on into the distance, and though that could have been picture perfect in itself, it seems as if The Lord was saying, 'You ain't seen nuthin' yet, son!' as a cloud in the distance burst with rain over the rolling landscape. 

Sample 137 - Descent

Blurred is blurred.

Mextures Formula, 'Evans Descent' (Code: HBCNTEJ) used on pictures 1, 2, and 4

Mextures Formula, 'Benevolence' (Code: ZWMEHBG) Converted to B/W, used on picture 3

When you're on top, there's nowhere else to go but down. I suppose we should be thankful whether we be in the top of the mountain or in the bottom of a valley. When you're at the bottom, there's nowhere to go but up... and when you're on top, you're reminded that you still need to go down, just to come back up again. Not sure that makes sense, but I do know that wherever we are, and wherever we were, the believer can stay at peace, determined and encouraged by the fact that Christ will never leave nor forsake him. 

The snow turned to sleet and then to rain as we began our trip down Mount Evans. This gave us the opportunity to behold the mountain ranges in a different perspective - the rain was close to us, but the sun shone over the peaks in the distance. The sight was just so much better than what I shot at the time, thus the decision to spruce things up through Mextures. I will be posting more of these sorts of shots without edits, as the weather maintained itself for a good amount of time while we drove down. 

Soli Deo Gloria.

Sample 136 - High

'They look so small from up here!' - Helix Helicopter, Cnc Generals

If I remember this structure was here for a very long time, and was converted to a view deck. 

This was a rare shot where my excitement to see and be in snow for the very first time was contained effectively. 

My brother striking a pose. 

My mom, dancing the way they would from the mountains she came from, on top of another mountain in a totally different range. She was just as excited as I was.

August 24, 2008 continued to be such a great day. I've seen so much so far - from Echo Lake, to Summit Lake, to the rare animal encounters - and I was already so extremely thrilled... but nothing could have prepared me for the top. See, not only was the view from the top breathtaking, but then it started to snow! 

Now for those of us who have never seen snow before, this was a definite treat! I was scrambling between protecting my camera and just enjoying the snow literally slapping against my face; Sure, it could have been more of sleet than snow, but I didn't care!  I was completely ignoring all the previous warnings against taking the (not weather-sealed) Nikon D40 out in rain and snow, and I was just taking all the cold in... 

This was such an awesome time. It's been 6 years since this day, and I can still remember how absolutely excited and thrilled and blessed and thankful I was for my beloved brother to take us up this mountain. It's a day close to my heart, and I just wish everyone would experience this same absolute happiness I had as an individual, and happiness we had as a family.

I remember eventually jumping in the car (where my loving dad was - he couldn't take the cold as much as we could), and just praying with the whole family, claiming the land for Christ. 

Now that I'm talking about it again after so long... Well, all I can just share is that the goodness of God really leads to repentance. Brother, sister, behold the glory of God in all His beautiful creation, and see how absolutely holy and good and powerful He is! 

That's... that's the reason I continued in photography, now that I'm talking about it... It's to project the absolute goodness and glory of God in all creation, for the sole glory of God Almighty! He is so good!

Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria!

Sample 135 - Shots of the Locals, II (Colorado '08)

Shortly after this shot was taken, these ladies were approached by what looked like Park authorities, telling them that this sort of interaction with the deer would disrupt their routine. 

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God."

Psalm 42:1

Just when I thought the sight of mountain goats was a nice treat, we encountered a group of deer as we continued our drive to the highest point of Mount Evans. Though we were tempted to come closer to this friendlier group of locals, my brother spoke against that, saying it would be better to take pictures of them from a distance. 

Again, the 55-200mm shone here. I was on ISO 200, and f5.6 (not sure if this was the maximum aperture of the lens at 200mm). Not all my shots were sharp, but I was still able to get some good ones in. 

Up Next: We make it to the top, and Panoramania sets in. 

Soli Deo Gloria. 

Sample 134 - Shots of the Locals (Colorado '08)

What you lookin' at?

"The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats..." Psalm 104:18a KJV

I've been playing with my X-E2, and I completely forgot that before I started posting shots from it I was going along with posting my backlog, starting from the shots I took with my very first proper camera... the humble Nikon D40, and its kit lens, the (Non-VR) 18-55mm. Well, actually, for these shots I was blessed because my brother's roommate happened to have a (VR) 55-200mm lens I took with me during our first (and, God willing, not the last) trip to the highest points of Mount Evans. 

For us to see these mountain goats was a consolation blessing, a break from the breathtaking landscapes we already beheld on the way up. It was as if they were so used to cars and people - though they kept their distance, they didn't flinch when I took their pictures again and again. 

Now that I look at these shots again, I am seriously thinking of the XF 55-200mm as my next photography purchase. I suppose expanding my focal range would give me more opportunities than, say, a fast prime. 

Next: Deer.

Soli Deo Gloria. 

The Wait Is Almost Over...

This is the very first picture I took with my first DSLR, the Nikon D40.

"Is this new camera the next one I'm definitely going to get? We'll know on the 28th, when it's rumored to be announced." - JB, 'My Next Step In The Light?'

Well, there have been a lot of rumors popping up since that last post till today... We are less than 24 hours away from knowing the truth about the X-T1. What we're led to believe so far regarding this Fujica-ST form X-Series camera is that it has a 16Mp APS-C X-Trans sensor, Dials for Shutter Speed, Exposure Compensation, and ISO, Built-In Wifi, a Time-Lapse Option, 8 frames per second... and an estimated SRP of $1300, Body only. 

We hear that it's to be announced tomorrow, and it'll ship out this February. I figure it'll make its way to Philippine shores (and delivered to my doorstep, God providing) March, at the earliest. 

Right now, I'm excited. I'm thinking, 'shouldn't I be scared that I would be disappointed?' but I'm believing, one way or the other, this year, I'm getting a camera. There's a great chance it'll be this camera, and when I get it, I'm confident that it will cover most, if not all of what I intend to shoot - from impromptu events to landscapes for worship. It'll be with me most, if not all of the time - on planned shoots or just to take a shot or two while working. 

It seems to be THE choice - a mirrorless, portable, capable APS-C ILC - based on what the rumors state, it is the most ideal tool. I said tool and I meant it. If I wanted a toy, it would be a medium format film rangefinder camera... but I suppose that's too much for me to handle right now, considering I know close to nothing about film, much less medium format, and even much less, rangefinders. 

Yes, I am excited to see what's going down tomorrow. 

Again, for now.. I'm looking out, and praying. God is good. 

God bless you. 

Sample 119 - A Panorama Of What I'm Assuming Is Mount Evans

A panorama that's been sitting on my hard drive. I'll never know if it's any good if I never share it. Hey, that's a good line. 

Raw files coming from cameras such as the D40 are still so very usable. 

"Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!

Sing out the honor of His name;

Make His praise glorious.

Say to God,

“How awesome are Your works!

Through the greatness of Your power

Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.

All the earth shall worship You

And sing praises to You;

They shall sing praises to Your name.” 

Psalm 66:1-4

Sample 118 - The Ascent (Mt. Evans, 2008)

As I was editing these shots, I saw that it was raining while I was shooting these. I remember that it was raining, but it wasn't too hard for me to leave the window down to shoot with the (non-weather sealed) Nikon D40.

I had to leave this off-angle. 

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

Sample 117 - A Red Rocks Panorama, More Than 5 Years In The Making.

There are times that we are led to just go through an image, letting the scene declare the glory of God more... 

...more than a quick adding of Scripture. Perhaps this is why I never pushed through with my plans of making a book out of the images of Colorado back in 2008. 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sample 116 - In And Around The Red Rocks Amphitheatre

This shot was inspired by a postcard we saw in the Amphitheater's Souvenir Shop. That little blue dot in the distance - those are my parents. :D

A closer look at my parents... and the rocks. 

Denver (Or Aurora?) from where we were

For the Lord gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Proverbs 2:6

Sample 115 - Piercing The Clouds

"I don't know about tomorrow;

It may bring me poverty.

But the one who feeds the sparrow,

Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that is my portion

May be through the flame or flood;

But His presence goes before me

And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand..."

Happy 2014! God bless you!