art, photography

Finding Art in the Everyday

To me, photography is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event.
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

There is undoubtedly an artful rhythm to life.  And at times, we as artists slow down long enough to tap into this oft elusive cadence.

It’s a practice in patience and awareness.  But the beauty of photography is that we can express ourselves through these musical moments by capturing and sharing them.  The trick is, however, to be present and a part of the symphony… and not merely a spectator or a thief.

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Henri Cartier-Bresson was a master at capturing the “decisive moment”.  And I’ve always admired his work and ability to stay connected to the artful rhythm.

Whether shooting exotic animals and pristine landscapes in far off lands, or your niece and nephews at a pool in the suburbs, this metered, musical  thread persists.   It’s our calling as photographers and artists to connect with it and create.  It’s our connection to a masterfully creative God.   And, dare I say, it’s sometimes our only significant means of contributing to the joy of others.

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Moments come and go.  We have the gift of capturing and sharing these myriad artful events.

It gives me great pleasure and peace when I remember this.  And I hope it does you too.

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How do you tap into the artful rhythm?

— andrew

 The photograph itself doesn’t interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality.

~ Henri Cartier-Bresson


 
If you are interested in learning more about photography, taking your art to a new level please check out my new workshop dates:
 
Grand Teton Photographic Tour/ Workshops 2014
More Destination Photo Tours/ Workshops 2014
 
If you are interested in licensing any of the images/ video from this post, please visit my stock agency:
 
Tandem Stills + Motion // andrew r. slaton
 
If you are interested in purchasing prints from this post, please check my prints for sale, or email me directly for a custom request:
 
andrew r. slaton // photographer // prints
 
For assignment work requests, please email me: andrew@andrewslatonphoto.com
 
Thanks for visiting AndrewSlatonBlog.com!
 
all images and content © ARS Media, LLC 2014
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art, nature, photography

Silence, In Black and White

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.  When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”  ~ Ansel Adams

 
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Storm and Colorado River, South Rim, Grand Canyon NP, AZ, 2014
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If you are interested in learning more about photography, taking your art to a new level please check out my new workshop dates:
 
Destination Photo Tours/ Workshops 2014
Private, Destination Workshops 2014
 
If you are interested in licensing any of the images/ video from this post, please visit my stock agency:
 
Tandem Stills + Motion // andrew r. slaton
 
If you are interested in purchasing prints from this post, please check my prints for sale, or email me directly for a custom request:
 
andrew r. slaton // photographer // prints
 
For assignment work requests, please email me: andrew@andrewslatonphoto.com
 
Thanks for visiting AndrewSlatonBlog.com!
 
all images and content © ARS Media, LLC 2014
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art, photography

Images of South Sudan | Solo Exhibition

In January of this year, I was asked to shoot a job more than half-way around the world in a country I new nothing about.

Ravaged by decades of war, disease, poverty, and hopelessness, South Sudan is struggling for rebirth.

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On November 7, Seed Effect, will be celebrating their fourth year of bringing hope, love, life, and transformation to the people of South Sudan through Christ-centered micro-finance.

My life, and countless lives in Africa have been changed through the work of Seed Effect, so please help me support them by coming out for this fantastic event… anyone and everyone is invited, so please spread the word!

This is also very special to me because they will be featuring my photography from the trip in January in my first solo exhibition.  All proceeds go directly to empowering the South Sudanese people.

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Those who come will see a variety of work, all shot within a 10 day period.  From broad landscapes to intimate portraits, Africa street scenes and the beauty of nature.  All tell the story of hope and redemption for a tired yet resilient people.  A people that you can help through Seed Effect.  Not with a “hand out”, but rather with a “hand up”.

Seed Effect offers group-guaranteed small business loans, teaching folks how to start, maintain, and grow a business.  As a consequence, they can provide for their family, send their children to school, and make a better life for their community.  This movement is crucial to the success of this fledgling country.

I have seen first hand the amazing work that is happening in the world’s newest country through Seed Effect.  So please join me and support them however you can!  I hope to see all of you at Seed Effect Turns 4 in November!

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When:  November 7, 2013, 6-9pm

Where:  The Laundry | 1818 Chestnut St., Dallas, TX, 75226

More information available at SeedEffect.org/SETurns4.

–andrew

all images and content © andrew r. slaton | photographer 2013

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art, photography, random thought

TULIP series | photos

lately, i’ve been wanting to do a series of photographs that illustrate the five points of Calvinism. strange, i know. but these concepts intrigue me.

i’ve had many odd images in my head for some time, and they are just now starting to come together and make a little sense.  to me at least.

basically, Calvinism is known by an acronym: T.U.L.I.P.  i found a lot of great information at the Calvinist Corner blog, check it out if you’re interested in more background.

i’ll leave the interpretation up to the viewer.  feel free to comment… more images to follow.

TULIP frame #1, total depravity, dallas, texas, 2012

TULIP frame #2, unconditional election, dallas, texas, 2012

all images © andrew r. slaton | photographer 2012

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art, family, photography, random thought, travel

honeymooners

well, as they say, the honeymoon is (technically) over… however, it doesn’t really feel that way.

now i’m not just trying to score points here, i promise.  the first month has been a total blast.  it hasn’t been without it’s rough patches, but overall i’d say, the honeymoon has seemed to continued…

the night of our marriage, elle and i got to stay at the historic adolphus hotel in downtown dallas.  totally cool.  and a great view from our enormous balcony!

sipping fancy coffee in the morning by the big windows…

it was a relaxing morning for sure.  luckily we didn’t have to rush… our flight to mexico wasn’t until that evening.

so then we arrived on the mayan riviera in mexico, and it did not disappoint!  white sand beaches, crystal blue water, all the amenities of the caribbean, but much better prices.  we had a blast!

and yes, of course i had to try a star picture over the caribbean…

may the honeymoon last another 50 years!!

all images and content © andrew r. slaton | photographer 2011

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