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.

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.

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.)

A happy Rapunzel

A spot on Rumpelstiltskin from Once Upon a Time offering a contract

This Snow White doesn’t need a huntsman. She’s packing her own bow and arrows.

Aren’t you a little drunk to be a Stormtrooper?

Is Disney the Gateway to DragonCon? (Gallery of the Disney Photo Shoot, Part 1)

Posted on September 3, 2014 by garbergeektography

The Disney DragpnCon 2014 Group Shot

Merida

Meg from Hercules and Khaleesi From Game of Thrones

Khaleesi from Game of Thrones (Rapunzel mashup) photobombs Meg from Hercules at the Disney Shoot

Hades from Hercules

Steampunk Tinkerbell

Anna from Frozen

The Ritual Bidding Adieu to DragonCon: AKA, mmmm Brisket

Posted on September 1, 2014 by garbergeektography

Alas, the Council of Dragons has drawn to a close, which means that it is time anon to prepare the most royal of sacrifices, tender breast of Dragon. This ritual owes its roots to the deepest and most western territory of the kingdom and has been passed on through the generations to the latest great mage of sacrificial preparation, Aaron Franklinus of the wizarding tradition of central Texas.

The grand tome of preparation can be found in the mysterious Chronicles of YouTubus, presented by the high mage himself:

The latest sacrificial breast of dragon rubbed with elvin spirit crystals and ground charred orc bones.

After carefully trimming the suet of the beastly villain, the Great Geektographer concocted the mixture of equal parts Elvin spirit crystals and coarsely ground, charred Orc bones, which the Great Geektographer hath deftly applied to the dragon’s flesh, setting it aside to cure.

In the meantime, the Geektographer built a fire in his colossal verdant furnace, using coals from the very tree that birthed

The Colossal Verdant Furnace at sunset.

Thorin’s mighty Oakenshield. The dragon’s flesh has become tough through years of guarding his golden stash and marauding the nearby villages. It must therefore rest in the colossal verdant furnace for no less than half of the rotation of Middle Earth.

At the appointed time the preparer of the Dragon sacrifice will remove the beast’s now tender flesh from the colossal verdant furnace and combine it with stewed dragon’s blood, serving it to those who keep faith in the magical power of feasting.

Thus endeth the ritual of the Dragon Feast at the close of the Annual Council of Dragons. In the days and weeks to come, a full account of the 2014 Council of Dragons will appear. Until then, nom nom nom nom nom nom.

Enter the DragonCon

Posted on August 29, 2014 by garbergeektography

Just some fun with dragons and the 70-200 FE from Lens Rentals. 🙂

On tap for today:

Drop doggies off at “camp”
Get DragonCon passes
Get ready for a bunch of photo-shoots, including but not limited to: Disney, Game of Thrones, DC comics cross play, Justice Society, Marvel Cosmic Universe (I am Groot!), Gotham, and Secret Six!
Maybe and Arrow or Firefly panel
The Friday Night Costume Contest
and some kind of meals, sometime.

Who Wants to Send us on a Scavenger Hunt?

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Michelle Garber

On the Date Night scavenger hunt, the leader asked us to find children flying in Decatur. Dave went back and reshot this iconic sculpture for the “silhouette” category for his Arcanum scavenger hunt.

Who wants to send us on a scavenger hunt?

I must confess, I love scavenger hunts. I enjoy the mystery, the competition, and the creativity. It’s like a quest, but with a list instead of a map. And you use a camera instead of a sword (but I like swords, too!). There’s a focus and a purpose with scavenger hunts, but still plenty of room for improvisation and imagination. What’s not to love?

Michelle’s interpretation for the “couples kissing” category for the Decatur Date Night scavenger hunt with the Showcase School of Photography

Photo scavenger hunts can make fun date nights, party games, or family activities. The captured photos offer interesting insights into people’s thought processes based on how they have interpreted items on the list. A photo isn’t always just a photo! When making a list, try to think outside the box and allow flexibility in interpretation. Think of items that could be interpreted in several different ways. Dave and I went on a fun date night scavenger hunt in Decatur with the Showcase School of Photography this summer, and we pursued themes like “patriotic,” “something cold,” and “something that makes you laugh.” Of course, Dave was a bit grumpy being told what to shoot (he’d make a great 12th doctor). The evening’s activity encouraged me to see the familiar sights of the Decatur square in a new way, paying attention to details, such as patterns, colors, and out-of-the-way spaces. Continue reading →

Launching …

Posted on August 18, 2014 by garbergeektography

Fourth of July, 2014 in Farragut, TN

Michelle and I have been tooling around with “Garber Geektography” for a while now. In fact, it has been about two years since I bought my first “real” interchangeable lens camera, and the past two years have been the most creative of my life. So we are starting this blog to share our photographic musings with the world. It has been a whirlwind summer for me, and I have quite a bit to share–from my trip with 13 students and 1 colleague to India, to our vacation to visit our good friends (Doug and Lindsay) in Alaska, to my rather eventful journey to Israel in the beginning days of the most recent Middle East conflict. So, I will be sharing some thoughts about each of those trips in future posts. This blog, however, is meant to be a more “fun” outlet for our creativity. While I will obviously touch on my vocation as a theology professor in various posts, we want this blog to be much more about our general life experiences and creative processes in the nexus between photographic images and geeky adventures (hence our tagline, “Adventures in Imagery”).

Continue reading →