Is it weird to like hanging out in a cemetery?

Posted on September 29, 2014 by garbergeektography

We went to one of our new favorite places last night, Oakland Cemetery, to turn in four images for their photo contest in conjunction with next week’s Sunday in the Park. It sounds like a lot of fun with a Victorian street art festival and a costume contest. We’ll be there! Who else might come?

We’ll also be going to one of their “Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours” later in the month as part of our 2014 Fall Fun Fest.

Here are the four photos we entered into the contest:

“An Angel gets Her Wings,” one of Dave’s entries.

Dave’s second entry, “Pensive Glow.”

Michelle loves “Light and Shadow!”

She also adores texture. This is her second entry, “Doorway to the Unknown.”

It’s Finally Fall!

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Michelle Garber

Happy Autumn everyone! My favorite season is finally here, and to celebrate, we present you with some fun fall photos. First up is one of my favorite pictures, inspired by Karen Hutton and taken in Chattanooga at Rock City.

My photo of the Rock City swinging bridge. I have a metal print of this hanging in my office that allows me to escape every day.

I confess—I have a fascination with bridges. And doorways. And fences. And with bends in the river and turns in the road. I enjoy the in-between-ness of the space, exploring boundaries and transitions.

The “Flying Dragon” fruit (Poncirus trifoliata) becomes golden in the Fall and hangs out near the bell tower at Historic Oakland Cemetery.

Maybe that’s why I love the Fall and Spring seasons so much. Standing at a threshold, my imagination engages, and I find myself drawn to both mystery and possibility. In these moments, I see the promise of adventure and the potential for newness and transformation. In capturing the moment on camera, I hope to give color, shadow, and form to the liminality.

Dave’s shot of our crop of apples from Mercier Orchards last Fall.

How will you embrace the mystery and possibility this Fall? What are your favorite spaces, places, and activities?

Dave’s shot of a sunburst at Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze from last year. We hang a canvas wrap of this print above our mantle every year to usher in the season.

Dave’s note: If you are looking to decorate for Autumn, prints of the above images are available. Just click on the photo!

Who’s Watching Gotham Tonight? Five Reasons we are Tuning In

Posted on September 22, 2014 by garbergeektography

A cosplayer from DragonCon 2014 reenacts the classic pose from the end of Batman’s story in the Nolan films.

Since we are known around our stomping grounds as consultants on geek culture, several folks have asked us whether or not we are tuning in to watch Gotham tonight on FOX. Of course we are! We will give most comic book shows a chance, and we are rather partial to the Bat-verse. Michelle’s favorite character, after all, is Batgirl. But why tune in to another interpretation of the Batman mythology?

I wonder how long it will take for the Joker and Harley to come in and steal the show? Great cosplayers from the DragonCon 2014 parade.

1. We are suckers for an origin story, and while Gotham starts out with the classic origin of Bruce Wayne, I’m hopeful that the show will not center around him. Rather, it looks like we will get to see some intriguing beginnings of Catwoman, Penguin, Poison Ivy, the Riddler, Commissioner Gordon, and perhaps even the Joker. The character I’m most looking forward to, actually, is the

It’s never a good thing to see Harvey Dent and Oswald Cobblepot conspiring in a hotel. From DragonCon 2014.

Penguin, a crime boss whom I have never cared for in any television series or movie. The trailers of Robin Lord Taylor’s performance as the character, though, are diabolical and amazing.

Gotham’s Selina Kyle will be a bit younger this time around.

2. Because of the main character, Gotham itself. That’s right, the city is one of the main characters of the show, and I’m very intrigued with how they will approach it in this series.

Wait, the Riddler wasn’t in the Nolan trilogy, was he? A quick shot at the Marriott during DragonCon 2014

3. Because Batman is far less interesting than the characters around him. A lot of folks are wondering how a Batman show can succeed without Batman. If you watch the Nolan films, however, the only one that is really about Batman is Batman Begins. You get to learn about his origin and training there, and most of the pieces of his psychology are there. When you get to The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, though, the real show belongs to the Joker, Bane, and Catwoman.

Catwoman blows a kiss to an unidentified paramour at the DragonCon 2014 parade.

4. Because of the potential for strong women characters. If they are indeed taking cues from Greg Rucka’s Gotham Central series, then they are pulling from a writer who has a great track record of strong female characters who are more than foils for their male counterparts. And since Bruce Wayne is only twelve or so, maybe–just maybe–every female character in this show will not have a crush on him (that’s right, I’m looking at you, Arrow). I was very excited to learn that one of my favorite characters, Renee Montoya, was going to be a part of the crew. I just question where they will go with her story, hmmmm.

5. Because we want more Harley Quinn than just a cameo from Amanda Waller’s jail (we jest, Arrow, we jest). That’s right! More Harley Quinn you DC TV gurus! :-).

Sailor Joker agrees. There is always a need for more Harley. Taken at the Atlanta Aquarium during DragonCon 2014.

You See, but you Do Not Observe: Why I love Sherlock and Macro Photography

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Michelle Garber

Last year in the early morning at the Grand Canyon, this tree sap caught my eye.

I adore Sherlock Holmes. Truly. I fell in love with the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a child and then, later, the BBC television show starring Bendedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. I continue to be intrigued and captivated by both the mysteries themselves and the secret of Sherlock’s power of observation.

A cool device used to point out the different geographical elements at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I was drawn to the textures of the brass, as well as the initials carved on the sides.

Of course, as Sherlock would state in no uncertain terms to his friend and colleague, Dr. John Watson, there is no “secret.” Shortly after meeting Sherlock, John Watson, the reader/viewer’s entry point into Sherlock’s world, admits his consternation and delight in Sherlock’s abilities. Watson then grants the audience access to Sherlock’s thoughts and echoes the question we all have at some point—how does he do it? Holmes, in response to Watson’s query, responds, “You see, but you do not observe.” Huh. Ok. But what does that mean? Continue reading →

Many Visions: Save the Dates!

Posted on September 17, 2014 by garbergeektography

UPDATE: Both of my photos will be in the September 28 reception and the portion of the show that will run through October 25.

Two of my photographs will be displayed in Many Visions, a project of the Decatur Digital Photography Meetup and part of the Atlanta Celebrates Photography event.

The waterfall photo is by Pam Wendell. Many Visions promotional flyer by Joey Potter.

There are two receptions for two showings of the fifty photos selected for the event (twenty-five each month). The first reception is on Sunday, September 28, from 12pm-2:30pm. The second is on Sunday, October 26, from 12 pm-2:30pm. Each month’s show will have new images. The First Existentialist Congregation is hosting the show, and if you miss the receptions, you can still view the artwork in the galleries on Thursdays from 7pm-9pm or on Sundays 12pm-2pm in the months of October and November.

My photos of Bodh Gaya in India and the Christian Quarter in Jerusalem will be on display.

A shot from atop the offices of the Greek Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem overlooking the Christian Quarter.

Taken last May in Bodh Gaya, India, the traditional location of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

A Creepy Thirteen: Bioshock at DragonCon 2014

Posted on September 15, 2014 by garbergeektography

Elizabeth leads the parade.

Little Sister and Big Sister walk in tandem.

One of the creepiest things about the game is the large needle filling the baby bottle with blood.

Little Sister loves her Big Daddy.

Elizabeth is a popular cosplay.

Peddling power-ups.

Don’t mess with this little sister.

A decapitated motorized patriot.

Don’t look behind you!

A creepy approach to predestination.

Robert and Rosalind examine the coin of fate.

The Bioshock Infinite group shot.

A Big Sister spotted at the Atlanta Aquarium.

Being the Bear: Our First Mercer University Football Game

Posted on September 12, 2014 by garbergeektography

Last year Mercer University revived its football team, and for the first time since their return, Michelle and I were able to make it down for a home game. The McAfee School of Theology held a tailgate party at the game, so we went with several faculty and staff to show our support.

When we decided to go, I thought it would be a great opportunity to test out the a6000 with the Sony 70-200 FE lens. So, I extended my rental from the past week’s DragonCon and had a blast with it. Unfortunately, the Bears didn’t win, but they showed a lot of heart against Furman.

Mr. McAfee School of Theology, Barrett, our colleague and friend in admissions.

An impressive entrance.

Ready to play.

I was impressed by the pressure of Mercer’s defense.

After a punt. I just thought this shot demonstrated the great action freeze of the a6000 and the depth of field of the 70-200.

A timely QB sack.

The pressure on the quarterback which led to …

… this interception.

More Bears’ defense.

After a good play.

More pressure!

A shot of the band with the flag corps for my niece.

This guy was a riot!

And the next two players had a lot of spirit …

… as they cheered on their teammates.

Family Matters to the Mother of Dragons: Game of Thrones at DragonCon 2014, Part II

Posted on September 10, 2014 by garbergeektography

Viserys Targaryen wears his crown of gold.

Is there a reason your eyes are wandering, Robert Baratheon? Cersei Lannister thinks so.

Lady Stoneheart.

George R. R. Martin cosplayer decides who gets the sword next.

A somber Shireen Baratheon at the DragonCon parade.

Family matters to this Mother of Dragons

It May be hot Outside, but Winter is Coming: Game of Thrones Photos from DragonCon

Posted on September 8, 2014 by garbergeektography

Lord Varys, AKA, the Spider, checking in with his “little birds.”

An awesome Shae cosplay. Where is Tyrion?

“You know nothing, John Snow.” A fun Ygritte cosplay.

The props often make the cosplay. Love this Melisandre.

Galacticat does a great Brienne of Tarth. Perfect attitude and a great costume.

A white walker in the DragonCon parade. I had a lot of fun with this one!

Hey, you got your Star Wars in my Disney …

Posted on September 5, 2014 by garbergeektography

Now I want to hear Ariel sing pirate shanties.

Princess Tiana at the Marriot

This was an interesting one to shoot at the Atlanta Aquarium with very low light and a flash.

Bambi

Hades and Megara having a moment

Sith Snow White, Princess Ariel/Leia, and Jedi Elsa. The force is strong with these princesses.

Madame Gothel from Tangled

Steampunk Mad Hatter (CORRECTION: We found out that this was Caitlyn from League of Legends, though the “Steampunk Mad Hatter” description still works, I think.)