“I like your photographs because they’re quiet” is  one of the most meaningful compliments I’ve received.   The person mentioned this on our first meeting a couple of years ago.  We continue as friends.

Hopefully, this photograph taken during a morning walk today works that way.  As with all walk photos, it was a quick moment, but I felt the lady and child had a bond as they observed water flowing through a stream in Bull Branch Park.

We’re living in a noisy world.   Dissonance and mean-spirited behavior seems to be the order of the day.   As elections near, yard signs seem to add another level of stress.  Everything is loud, too intense, chaotic.

Look for a quiet place.  And don’t try to engage this writer into a discussion.  

Jim Bob and Kelly Clayman held their 31st Annual Clayman Rodeo on Saturday at Windsong Farm in Georgetown.   I’ve been fortunate to photograph it for about fifteen  of those years for the Williamson County Sun.   Kelly and Jim Bob, both former rodeo athletes, have been training youth, and a few adults, in equestrian skills and etiquette.  Along the way, they learn some rodeo things, too.   This event is the culmination of training for many.   You won’t see steer wrestling, bull riding, bareback riding, or anything that could lead to serious injury.   At Clayman events you’ll see barrel racing, pole bending, team roping and breakaway roping.   And lots of determined faces, each learning life skills, too.    The opening and second photos are of the same 6-year-old, with granddad giving support in the second one.   Since it’s still hot in Central Texas, you’ll that here, too.

With another busy evening, an early  post.  When heading out for daily walks, I consider all the things missed for years  by not toting a camera with me.  So far, that camera is an Olympus.    The world is adorned with light, color and design.   And if we’re fortunate, an occasional good moment.   Keep looking for small landscapes, my friends.  

A snapshot from a morning walk in Taylor this week.   Strolling past St. James Episcopal Church, I noticed work continuing on a window enclosure, light also  shining through another window.   After my walk I stopped by for more information.   Built in 1893, the church needed a little wood restructuring around the stained glass windows.   The windows are fine, but the woodwork is getting a needed makeover.   Just something observed during a unhurried daily walk.  The Olympus is well-suited. 

“Sweeney Todd” opens tonight on the Springer Stage at the Georgetown Palace.    Most of the photos from Thursday’s dress rehearsal are on my Facebook or Instagram pages.   Please visit them. The production runs through November 3rd. 

It’s a beautiful setting a few miles east of Taylor.   I’m not sure the residents enjoy the publicity, but a windmill and pond  are a fine combination at the right time of day.    With a busy night in store, this is the best I can do tonight.  

A friend’s ranch in Circleville (just north of Taylor) has a mesquite tree that’s weathered many a storm through the years.   It’s not large, but sitting atop a hill, I think it’s majestic.   A second photo shows a ranch feline making its way toward the tree, a bit of context. The other two are just things I like.   Our area of the Blackland Prairie is magical.  

Tonight was National Night Out in Texas.   Other states mostly conduct their celebrations in the summer months, but here the evening is observed in October.   These photographs were at the Georgetown Housing Authority’s Activity Learning Center.   Our daytime temperatures are still in the 90s, but evenings are now in the 60s.   It was a good night.

Grain elevators, another simple post tonight.   You might call them grain bins, or silos, but they’re grain elevators to me.   The opening photograph includes some railroad  tracks, but this post isn’t about trains.  

By now you probably know I post photographs from daily walks, most from Taylor.   These few are from strolls this past week, mostly tiny landscapes, simply paying attention to light.   The Olympus camera I’m toting continues to be a satisfying choice.   During Saturday’s Georgetown Powwow I shot a few photos with the Olympus, but soon realized that the slower lenses being used for walks don’t cut the mustard when working indoors in lower light  situations.   I think if I were to completely switch, it would have to be with the top-end Olympus camera, plus faster lenses.   For now, the Nikons will be the main cameras, as they have been for 54 years.   I’m still using DSLR models until they wear out, or I get a bunch of money for Nikon’s mirrorless camera systems.    The best advice for photographers is to use what fits your comfort zone.   There’s a lot of good stuff out there.   I love Canon, Fuji and Olympus.   Many friends have migrated to Sony.     Just use something where the equipment doesn’t get in the way.    So far, I’m not enamored with smartphones, but they work just fine for many who don’t earn their living through photography.