Blogger Highlight-The Rusty Ruin Journal

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog The Rusty Ruin Journal. Steve’s blog is addictive if you’re into photography and learning about the cameras he uses. His posts are informative and I appreciate him for often taking several photos of the same item in another view. Steve’s use of color grabs you and pulls you right in.   

The Rusty Ruin Journal

My name is Steve and I and my family live in South Australia. Yes, it’s a long way from many places and there’s so much beautiful scenery to photograph. We like to travel, hike, and see the sights. I have too many cameras to mention, both digital and film; also, too many books on the shelf; and boardgames aplenty that are often played with friends. In between work and family, I try to squeeze in a range of other interests apart from photography, including making music, painting, and writing. Honestly, I never thought I could do any of those things until I decided to stop telling the same self-limiting stories about myself. It was then that I picked up a big camera and taught myself how to use it. I decided that being creative wasn’t about being the best, but about expressing oneself without judgment, ego, or fear. It’s wise to remind myself of that as often as I can.

I asked Steve three questions you will find interesting.

M. How old were you when you took your first photo and what was the photo of?

S.  Hmmm, that’s a tough question! I grew up with film but I never had the money for big and expensive cameras. My family were never into photography and our little cheap cameras only came out on special occasions. I’d have made a few casual photos back then, I’m sure, but the first photo I remember making where I was really interested in the framing and composition was of the Pink Sand Dunes in California. I think I was 26 or 27 at the time. 

M. Do you display your photos in the house, or elsewhere and what does your family think about your hobby?

S.  Actually, most of the things on our walls are my paintings! Of course, we have family photos framed and on display too. I’ve sold a few paintings and photos over the years but I’ve not had any photos framed properly and on display. I should probably fix that, but I never put my ego into my photos so it doesn’t bother me not to see them everywhere. I think my family are likely a bit jaded by all the camera gear I have spilling out from shelves and boxes…haha! There’s a bit of a running joke amongst family and friends that I tend to stop at every patch of rust and get the camera out because I find it interesting, hence the name of the blog. I can’t deny that I like texture, colour, and abstraction! 

I enjoyed this recent post called Red paint and contemplation.

For me, photography is about connection with the subject, the environment, and why it caught my eye in the first place. I take plenty of photos of flowers and plants but that is not the type of photography I’m talking about. Like the most recent photos of art from The Mayo Clinic, there was a connection, and they pulled me in. Steve also has connections by being in the moment outside of taking photos. He takes in the environment and appreciates the scenery around him. 

Be sure to stop by Steve’s blog, The Rust Ruin Journal, say hello, pull up a chair, and dig into his posts. You will get hooked as I did. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light