I hate Cancer.

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Why Flickr

I'm here again with an evolving perspective to see photography and other images of all genres. Flickr is where I meet and talk (MORE LIKELY if you SAY something to me) about photography and other media with artists, hobbyists, and especially interesting people like you, the reader. The social aspect of Flickr is great, but I don't meet in person, so please don't ask. Ce n'est ni mieux ni pire, c'est juste différent.

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Commenting and Likes

I'm dumbfounded by the complaints about not receiving comments when no comments have been made by the complainer. Although it is impossible to remember everyone's preference, I try not to star photos when I know someone doesn't want them. I don't mind just a star=like, and I like (star) a lot of photographs. Please don't be offended if I like your photograph without commenting. It is a like, after all, and it's just rude to insist on a comment. If you're offended by a like, then you shouldn't be putting photographs up on the internet. There have been times when I intended to make a complimentary comment, but the creator of the image took my words differently than intended. If I comment, then I'm risking a misunderstanding. In my opinion, most disagreements start as misunderstandings. Let's give each other the benefit of the doubt at those times.

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Followers and Following

My rule of thumb is to follow those who follow me. I will unfollow those who unfollow me. I do follow some accounts who don't follow me back or even acknowledge that I exist, at least for a little while. ONE WAY interactions are empty. At some point, I get tired of being just a fan. Don't expect me to stay forever if you just want to be admired without giving back.

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Style

Documentary was my first love in photography. My approach today still reflects that first interest. I like all types of photography genres as well as other media methods, even if I don't make that kind of work myself. Family, friends (with names I know and don't know), travel, street (sort of), as well as random places and things are the subjects of my photography. This stream is a work in progress. It makes as much sense as anything and less than some things. A few frames will stand alone better than others; however, very few of my photographs are intended as stand-alone images. The preferred way for audience viewing is the albums, where an attempt of organization is being made. Expect deletion, reprocessing, re-organizing, re-naming, and describing images over time.

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Thoughts on cameras (updated January 2025)

The first camera I ever used was my Mother's Kodak 126 Instamatic. A few years later, my parents gave me a Kodak 110 Hawkeye. None of those negatives survive as far as I know. In high school (mid 1980's) I took a photography class with a Minolta X700 and a 50mm f/1.7 lens. That was the start of my journey in photography. I've used many film cameras over the years from 110 to 4x5. Today, I almost always use digital cameras (OM System OM5 mainly, Nikon D800 back up & Samsung S21 Ultra for convenience). Most of my film cameras have been sold or given to relatives. I don't necessarily keep up with the latest technology or consider myself a collector of the classics. I do appreciate and sometimes envy those who do participate in those activities.

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Philosophy

One of my favorite poems to live by is from Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation:

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.

Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."

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