Train Spotting 2012

A couple of years ago they released a movie called "Train Spotting". I have no idea what the movie is about, but I like the title. During the past 2 weeks I have been enjoying finding train yards and taking photos of the trains and parts that are lying around. Three or 4 times I shot at the Spooner Train Museum. Today I went to Stanbury, Wisconsin and shot photos from where the trains were parked. The only thing I did not enjoy was that my fingers were getting quite cold and numb, but it was worth it. Between the trains, letters on the trains and parts, I shot well over 1000 pictures in the last 2 weeks. These photos are just a sampling of what I shot. A person cannot live in Northern Wisconsin and not fall in love with the trains. Train Spotting is a enjoyable hobby and even a little exciting.
Some of these photos are in black and white and some I have left in the original color.

Railroaded Letters.

Years ago, both Spooner and Trego, Wisconsin were Railroad towns. Spooner's school mascot is a train. Most of the year the "Pizza Train" runs out of Spooner and heads north to Springbrook and, of course goes through Trego. Spooner also has the Railroad Museum. Yesterday and today, I spent time at the museum taking photos of the trains and equipment. One of the things I noticed was the unique lettering on the old trains and thought they would be great for letter art. Several months ago I purchased a box of photo sleeve with a stick-able backing. They were perfect for the project. One of the things that I really enjoy about the lettering, is that is is far from perfect. They are old, rusty and faded. Some of it is railroad graffiti. Whether these sell or not, it is fun putting them together and I can spell out almost any word I like. God is the same way with us. Even though we are FAR from perfect, He loves us and sent His Son to an imperfect world to give us eternal life.
   If you would like to purchase letters, they are $1.50 each. Send me a note with what letters you would like and where to send them to. Fdistad@Gmail.com or call 715-939-0601 The letters are 4" x 6" and include the sleeves.

Fog and Frost

This morning when I woke up I noticed that it was quite foggy outside. This could only mean one thing: It was  perfect time to take some pictures. This time of year is usually very drab and colorless, with very little contrast. But the fog adds dimension to the landscapes. One of the ladies said on Facebook that she would rather go out and take photos than go to work this morning. That's when I knew what I had to do. (Sorry Kathy D. - but not too sorry!) Most of these photos were taken on County Road K on the way to Spooner. The sun was trying to find its way through the fog. It amazes me how that God can take something that is usually quite bland and turn it into a work of art. God, of course it the Great Artist!   

The Minnesota Trip

One of my responsibilities as an Area Coordinator with InFaith is to visit our missionaries at least once a year. Yesterday I took a trip to Underwood, Minnesota to visit one of our missionaries. Round trip it was about 550 miles and 13 hours of sitting in the car, leaving at 6:00 am and getting back home about 9:00 pm. It was a long, but very worth while trip. I chose to take a route that went on the north end of Mille Lacs Lake and of course take a few pictures of the shore line. These pictures were taken about 8:30 am at one of the boat landings. The double sun is always amazing and taking the shot through the trees adds to the composure of the shot. Whenever I take photos like this, I always remind my self that I may take the photo, but the scene is from God. I am just taking a picture of what He created. As a photographer, I know which of the photos I favor - The second one. Which one do you like the best and why?

Eagles in Fog

Whenever we have fog, I get a little excited because I know that fog can produce some great special effects in photography. Down the road from us on County Road E there is a field that has recently been cleared. Someone had hit a deer and left it in the field where wild animals could enjoy their lunch. This morning there were several black birds and 2 eagles picking the flesh off the bones. I got out of the car to see how close I could get to them before they flew off. I was able to get within 10 - 15 feet of one of the eagles before it decided that I was too close. Photos of the eagles in the fog, gave them a surreal look. I only had to sharpen the photos a little bit in PaintShop Pro. Every time I see these beautiful creatures I stand amazed at God's wonderful creation. My personal favorite is the 3rd one. Which one do you like?

windmill sunset

Just before sunset, I was going by the Spooner Ag Station, where they have a beautiful garden and a small windmill. The blades of the windmill were still and the sun was in perfect alignment for a great photo. I am always amazed when things work out perfectly for a shot. God's hand and timing is even in this. Another time everything was perfect was a couple of weeks ago when I was traveling on County Road "A" near Stone Lake. At just the right time, an eagle landed on a branch spreading his wings. He was keeping his eye on some road prey. He sat there for a couple of minutes, which in photography time is a life time. It just so happened that I had the camera on, the right lens on and the right setting on the camera. That does not always happen. I will post that picture at a later time. God's timing in indeed perfect!

Lessons learned too late...

What does it take for lessons to sink in and take effect in our lives? Some lessons we learn almost instantly and others take a few times to get through our thick head. Today God taught me a lesson that I think finally sunk in. Linda and I were traveling through the Michigan Up and stopped at Manistique to take a few photos of the lighthouse. Last year when I was shooting the lighthouse the wind and waves were quite high and I got soaked while taking photos. It was worth it, because the photos turned out great with a lot of drama of the waves. Again today, the waves and wind was strong and I got as close as I could to take a few shots. I decided to take a few steps closer to the edge of the wall so I could get a shot of the waves breaking over the wall. As I was shooting away, all of a sudden a big wave came over the wall and before I knew it I was soaked from head to foot. Praise the Lord my camera case was latched and things inside were safe. My camera did get a bath, but I think it is all right. My wonderful wife did not say a word, but I think I know what she was thinking. We headed for Hardees where I changed clothes and then we continued on our trip. Lesson Learned??? Hopefully! Notice the first photo. That was taken just before the big wave. the second photo was taken as the wave hit.

Labor Day Trip.

This past Friday one of the men of our church passed away and is now in God's presence in Heaven. Dale was not just a man who attended our church, he was a good friend and someone I really enjoyed visiting with. I really praise God that I had a good visit with him and his wife this past Wednesday. I did not realize how much this was affecting me until I got home last night after a long day at church and with Dale's family. My heart was heavy and I was exhausted. Today I decided to take some time to get away and spend time in prayer and take some pictures. There was no better place to go than Wisconsin Point and take pictures of the lighthouse. Every time I am there I try to take photos from a different perspective. I took some photos from the shore and then climbed up on the rocks and got a little closer. As I was shooting away, suddenly I noticed that just on the other side of the lighthouse a large barge was coming. It was perfect timing and a great setting. I only took about 220 pictures in just a few minutes. Over all it was a good day and I feel a little more refreshed and encouraged after spending time in prayer.
   I really like the third photo, which I have called "Infinity". You can hardly see the lighthouse, because it seems so far away, but the rocks lead up to it. It is not just about the lighthouse, but the whole scene, sky and all.

BackYard Flowers

Yesterday, I spent some time with one of the families from our church in Barron. I always enjoy visiting and spending time with them. My goal is always to encourage them, but I end up being the one encouraged. They always have a variety of birds in front of their house, which is a treasure to take pictures of. They also grow a variety of beautiful flowers on all sides of their house. After spending time with them in the house, I took some time to take pictures of their flowers. Just when I thought I was almost done, she pointed to other flowers she had and telling me what each one was called. What an amazing God we have to make such a beautiful display!