Spring time in Texas. That wonderful two weeks between Summers...

 When I work on things like events or commercial shoots with their "laundry lists" of shots that need to be captured I have a camera in my hands for hours at a time. That may be why the feel of a camera, for me, takes precedence over cutting edge technical specs for cameras, and why I've been hesitant to change brands after finding a system that feels right to me. One would imagine that after six, seven or eight hours with a camera in hand or hanging over a shoulder on a strap, the last thing I would want to do is carry a camera around with me when I'm "off the clock." 

But it seems nothing could be further from the truth. When B. and I went to the Austin Epicure for breakfast this morning (just around the block and down a bit) I had the new, little Leica DLUX8 (which I recently claimed I would probably never buy.... yes, the gods punish even commercial hubris) which I use to take a few quick photos. Mementos. Notes. 

The image accompanying the type here was taken just before dinner at the house of best friends. They are amazing entertainers. One half of the partnership is a brilliant three dimensional designer who loves to set a beautiful table -- usually outside in their gardens.  The other half is a professional whose side hobby is cooking. He's a veteran of dozens of cooking classes and schools and when you are asked to dinner the only response that makes any sense is: "Oh Hell Yes!!! What kind of wines should I bring?"

When I leave the house I always take a camera with me. I walked into their backyard and saw the table and fell, visually, in love with the entire presentation. And, of course, I was motivated to take photographs so I could later send a small batch to my hosts as an incidental "thank you." 

This image was taken with a Panasonic S1R. The first 47 megapixel camera I owned. Accompanied by a 50mm lens. Likely the Zeiss ZF version I've owned for at least a decade now. The shot was reflexive. The composition quick and casual. When I look at it the image reminds me of a great dinner, great friends, and the kind of Spring evening that starts out a bit close and ends up with a coolness at night filled also with the soft, yellow glow of light bulbs strung across a garden and people pulling sweaters on against the chill but at the same time having too much fun to go inside. The host lighting a wood burning fire in a close by fire pit as candles flicker on the table with their dance cascading off every reflective surface.  From the wine glasses to the silverware. And it all starts with a well set table and flowers, freshly picked from the garden.

And for just those two weeks between Summer and Summer we get to have weather that requires nothing but an ability to feel pleasure.

The camera is just there to create visual keepsakes for those who might be interested. 

Oh! It must be Good Friday.