Soldier 2

Another soldier portrait from the Civil War reenactment we saw last Saturday. The participants we met were very friendly. They were eager to tell you about their clothing and equipment, and to pose for photos. (Click on photo to enlarge.) These re-enactors take a lot of pride in striving for authenticity.

Hinge

Last Sunday afternoon, I had planned to photograph some calla lilies, but the location was closed. So I decided to look for something else to photograph, and came across some old buildings. The overall view was not that interesting, but it offered many options for detail shots. I liked the texture of this hinge detail, and thought this would be a natural for a B&W. However, after experimenting with several variations, I ended up preferring this color version best. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Red Doors

Back in May, I posted a photo of a small, country church - white with red doors. Here is an abandoned garage, also with red doors. (Click on photo to enlarge.) Maybe if I find about a hundred more interesting buildings with red doors, a photo book could result. I've found two buildings with red doors in the last three months, so it's a start!

Union Soldier

I found this "Union soldier" at the Civil War reenactment Saturday. He was sitting in the open shade of the canopy in front of his tent.

One of the challenging factors at the location of this reenactment was keeping modern elements out of the background. Since there were no cars, BP stations, utility poles with transformers, and girls wearing shorts during the 1860s, I had to constantly maneuver around to keep distracting and incompatible elements out of the background. On this portrait, I positioned myself so that another tent provided a clean background. (Click on photo to enlarge.) Once back home, I added a sepia tone, some texture, and an edge treatment to give it an older look.

Haywood County's War

Quite by accident, we came across some Civil War reenactors yesterday in Clyde. They had the authentic uniforms, guns, tents, and other equipment, plus a surprising knowledge of the history of the Civil War. We learned that in the part of North Carolina where we live, there were a significant number of Union sympathizers, along with another sizable contingent who just didn't care about the disagreement at all. Western North Carolina was not a hot bed of Confederate loyalty like it was the eastern end of the state, or in our neighbors of Virginia and South Carolina.

Because we were just out running errands when we came across the reenactors, I only had my A2000 camera with me. In the bright, hazy sunlight, the LCD on the back of the camera was about useless for judging composition and exposure. It was better than no camera at all, but I longed for the viewfinder of my E-510.

This was one of the better shots I got of some of the "troops" firing their rifles. I converted it to sepia in Virtual Photographer, and then added an edge that I got from one of those British photo magazines a few years back. Unlike many Civil War soldiers, these were apparently well fed. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Bee Balm

I read that this common wildflower was recognized as a medicinal plant by many Native Americans. The strong antiseptic action of these plants was utilized in poultices for skin infections and minor wounds. A tea made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections. I always wonder how they discovered these characteristics, and who was the first one brave enough to try it out. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Turk's Cap Lily

About this time each summer I start anticipating the appearance of Turk's Cap Lilies on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Last Saturday I discovered the first ones starting to bloom. (Click on photos to enlarge.)