
Welcome to my web site, crowdiary.com. The focus here is on "Crow Diary, or since I am not going to Paris (12/07 - 5/08)", my photo-journal. (A work that perhaps sat on the shelf too long) I started this photo-journal (or journey) with not much more than an idea to focus on crows.
With a bicycle and an old camera I explored and discovered southeast Portland, Oregon. Starting in my neighborhood, I pedaled along the streets and avenues with an eye and an ear out for crows. They remained a directing principle thru out. My journey, as it evolved, became more than a fascination with crows. It became a discovery, a remembering, and even a vacation. While capturing (in my viewfinder) a group of bright yellow flowers underneath a small bare tree on a windy cool day (crows not available at the moment), I was transported from worrying about my work, what street next to visit, a girl I once knew, the parade of ideas and concerns occupying my moments, to the daffodils underneath a small tree (a William Carlos Williams moment). My journey meant more than a bicycle exercise or a meditation with crows, it provided a way to get away without going away (to Paris), a vacation from the everyday with the everyday (confusing?).
I supply excerpts from my journal, hoping it gives the flavor of my work. I am glad to provide more info and text when desired. I hope the Forum on the this site will help with that.
I also include a representative selection of photos from the hundreds of photos I captured during my adventure. Crows are acrobats and experts at keeping their distance. Without a telephoto lens it is not easy to snap a close up. I tried. As with the text, the Forum will provide opportunity to reference photos and ask questions about the photography.
I hope to discuss my work and the ideas it sparks here. I provide an online store and photo albums where copies of the text and photos will be available. I can also be reached at elmolake@outlook.com.