Under Creators

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.  And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

And God said, …

— Genesis 1:1-3, ESV.

In the beginning, God created everything from nothing.  He is the original creator.

We are sub-creators.  We create only from what has been created.  One of the reasons I enjoy outdoor photography is because it embodies the very concept of capturing or reflecting the reality of what has already been created.

Because we are made in the image and likeness of a Maker, we can all make.  (Genesis 1:26).  Using our creative imaginations we can step into the picture above, stand on the shores of Lake Winnebago, and ponder the glory of God.  We could even write a short story or description of the experience.

Near the waters,
he hovers,
we stand.

He creates,
so do we.
He blesses,
we receive.

Race the Lake 2014

On Sunday, August 17, 2014, I participated in the annual Race the Lake, a 90 mile bicycle race around Lake Winnebago.  The race started and finished in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

All the pictures in this post were take at Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac, where the finish line was.

Race the Lake is open to bicyclists of all skill levels.  On the race route police and volunteers direct traffic at all intersections so that participants do not have to stop.  There is support and help for any bicycle that experiences mechanical problems.  There are also food stations and rest stops along the way.  The largest rest stop is at High Cliff State Park, the half-way point of the race.

Out of the four times I’ve done this race, I posted my worst time at 5 hours and 20 minutes.  Maybe a lot of factors played into that slower time, then again maybe I just had an off day.  Nonetheless, ninety miles in five hours and 20 minutes isn’t a bad time.  And I got the same finishers’ medal that I would have gotten with a better time.  Overall, it was a beautiful day, and a good ride.

In the picture above, far off in the distance, you can see the large windmills that are up on the Niagara Escarpment.  It’s usually very windy up there.

To see pictures of me in the event from Paul Manke Photography click here.  (In the finish line pictures, my two fingers and thumb together were supposed to signify the Holy Trinity).

Soli Deo gloria.

It’s Still Winter

The sun sets over a frozen Lake Winnebago.

Photographic Interlude

People walk along the shores of Lake Winnebago at sunset.

Summer is a time to enjoy the blessings of God.

Race the Lake 2013

Lake Winnebago

On Sunday, August 18, 2013, I participated in the sixth annual Race the Lake, a 90 mile bicycle race around Lake Winnebago.  The race starts and finishes in Fond du Lac, WI.

Last year, I forgot to bring my camera.  This year, I brought my camera, but was too tired after finishing to take any decent pictures of the event.  I discovered it is very hard to take good action shots when all one wants to do is sit and rest.  So instead I sat by the water, rested, and took some scenic photos of Lake Winnebago.

It was kind of a rough race this year because I had spent a considerable amount of time and energy cleaning up after the tornadoes that hit Northeast Wisconsin on August 7, 2013, so I was rather worn out before the race even began.  Nonetheless, I was able to beat my previous best time by finishing in four hours and fifty-six minutes.  To see pictures of me in the event from John M. Cooper Photography, click here.  (In the finish line pictures, my two fingers and thumb together were supposed to signify the Holy Trinity.  I was tired, and maybe didn’t do it very well).

God provided beautiful weather for a good race.

Soli Deo gloria.

Neutral Density Filter

My Canon G12 camera has an internal neutral density filter that can be applied inside the camera with the click of a button.  A neutral density filter is designed to reduce the amount of light hitting the camera’s sensor without affecting color.  This allows the photographer to open the shutter for longer periods of time while still accurately recording the amount of light and color in a scene.

This technique can be used to blur (or erase) moving objects, and is best used with moving water or busy city streets.  It can give a photograph with moving objects a slightly more dreamy quality than an average snap-shot.

The picture above is a fifteen second exposure of Lake Winnebago at dusk.  Please notice the somewhat smooth dreamy reflections in the water.  (The motion blur of the water causes this effect).

The snap-shot below was taken earlier in the evening and from a different location, so it may not be the best comparison, but please notice the sharper detail in the water.

Day Pictures from Race the Lake 2011

In the previous post, “Race the Lake 2011,” I lamented that I failed to take a picture of my bike in front of Lake Winnebago.  But I did take some pictures that day, and wanted to share them for two reasons:  First, because I enjoy sharing pictures.  Second, to show that this blog is still active.

The picture above is of the Fond du Lac “lighthouse” at the Fond du Lac marina after the race.  I put “lighthouse” in quotation marks because I could not discern any lantern.  There are large binoculars installed in the former lantern room.  Using these large binoculars, I discovered that one can see all the way across Lake Winnebago from south to north (from the top of the lighthouse/observation tower).  Here is a picture of Lake Winnebago looking north from the tower:

Finally, here is a link to some pictures, taken of me during the race, by John M. Cooper Photography.  (My race bib number was 1510).  They were the official photographers of the race, and were stationed all along the race course.  I provide this temporary link only for those who are curious as to what I look like (while riding a bicycle 90 miles in 5 hours).

God’s blessings to all the readers of Light from Light.

Race the Lake 2011

On Sunday, August 21, 2011, I participated in the fourth annual 90 mile bicycle Race the Lake around Lake Winnebago, WI.  I finished in 5 hours and 6 minutes, with an average speed of 17.4 miles per hour, which included an approximately 20 minute layover at High Cliff State Park to eat, stretch, and drink lots of water.

The start and finish lines were in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  I got up at 3am to make the 6am start time.  After the race, I wish I had taken a picture of my new bike (a Trek FX 7.2) in front of Lake Winnebago, but I was pretty tired, and did not think of it.

Photographic Interlude

A sailboat floats through reflected light on Lake Winnebago, WI.

Icy Lake Winnebago

Lake Winnebago was covered with winter ice.  Off in the far distance near the horizon, there were numerous fishing shacks out on the lake.  The snow was a crusty hard sheet making it easy to walk with regular boots.

The amber sun of winter reflected off the rippled ice.  Repeated freezing and thawing turned the surface slippery and shiny.  There was a slow winter breeze coming off the frozen lake, and the cold air was hard on bare fingers needed to push camera buttons.  Does cold weather make camera buttons smaller?

The sun was hitting the horizon, so it was time to turn for home.  Days and seasons, family and friends come and go, but the word of the Lord endures forever.