I’ve been asked to speak at a local camera club and I happily agreed. Then I thought what am I doing I have no program to present!  After some thought I decided to go with the idea of revisiting a subject time and again not only throughout a year but throughout a life time to record the changes that take place ever so slowly in natural world. Over time there can be huge changes.

For instance the Tamarack tree behind the post was once full of branches that hung down and shade the base of the tree. They also made some great framing when photographing across the rocks that signify the beginning of the Mississippi River.

I other places it might be the growth of the local vegetation, or erosion. Maybe the landmark has been restored or just painted.

By going back time and time you can also keep your images current and over the years you can daw on the older ones if some one needs some historical reference. An example would be Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue ox in Bemidji Minnesota. Years ago be for the whole downtown area was revitalized and the built a new visitors center. Blacktop surrounded  Paul & Babe, To day they have cement and brick work, which is much more appealing. I have sold both image many times.

Tucson Arizona for some reason is one of my favorite locations in Arizona. It must be because the diversity of subject matter in a relatively short drive from where you might stay.

I have since my first visit to the area in the 1970’s loved the Sonoran Desert. especially in the spring time when the cacti begin to bloom. The terrain  allows you to choose many different angles for photographing.

My newest favorite spot in Tucson would undoubtable be Barrio Lebria, The oldest neighborhood in Tucson, It is subject rich, Although it has been discovered and it is being re-paired building by building, The buildings are being painted. This is sad and exciting at the same time. I feel lucky to have found this spot when I did, I just wonder what it was like five years earlier.

While my main focus (pardon the pun) is on nature I just love to shoot interesting buildings and details new and old but mostly old. And with in a few blocks of Barrio Lebria there exists so much subject matter that its almost hard to believe.

National Loon Appreciation Week 2009

Peter Hawkins brings his fine art photography back to the Walker Leech Lake area. Peter grew up in the Walker area spending much of his time out on Leech Lake photographing the common loon. 

Peter has been creating photographic images of nature  for over twenty-five years. He is passionate about his subjects and considers their well-being more important than the photograph. It can take days if not weeks to make a single image, depending on the  behavior of the subject.

Peter’s image of a loon on the nest was selected to be on the National Loon Appreciation Week poster for 2009. This event is put on each year by the Sigrud Olson Environmental Institute at the Northland College in Ashland Wisconsin. In conjunction with this event Peter is doing two poster signings. The first will be held on May 15th at 6:30pm at the Hartley Nature Center in Duluth Minnesota, The second will be at the Artist and Crafters Mall of Walker on May 22nd. from 2pm till closing.

Peter looks forward to joining the other fine local artisans at the Artist and Crafters Mall of Walker who will be the exclusive retail location for Peter’s work in downtown Walker, Peter is constantly creating new images and looking for creative ways to display his work.

Those familiar with Peter’s work will find some old favorites and exciting new images from places like Itasca State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse and around Minnesota. There will be some images from Peter’s travels which may include Hawaii, the pacific northwest and the desert south west. There will be a wide selection of images to choose from.