I enjoy day hiking, and often I am amazed at the miraculous little lives that I find along the trail. As my feet carry me along, the vistas unfold in both the macrocosm and microcosm. The camera is my canvas to capture these unique lives and unique places. The fun of digital photography is in the doing. It is an awakening of the eye to the beauty around you. It combines the intrigue of the hunt with the serendipity of what the world hands to you as a subject. The photographer is given his chance to apply his creativity and capture in an instant, nature’s artwork.

I need your help….

I am currently putting together a portfolio of the most interesting sycamore trees that I can find. Do you know of an especially large, gruesomely twisted, or very hollow sycamore tree? I also value intricate root systems that have been exposed along a creek or river. Let me know about your favorite sycamore, or for that matter, any tree that displays exceptional character!

I would like to become a better photographer of people. If you have an interesting hobby or occupation, and would like to be photographed, then let me know. I have seen some impressive black and white photos and have chosen to do this photo set in that medium. Of course, if you prefer sepia or color it can be done just as easily. You get photos that you can print or exchange and I gain photographic experience and hopefully learn a little something about your hobby!

My other hobbies are winemaking, woodworking, horticulture, orienteering, physical fitness, writing, motorcycling, canoeing, and researching trade pipes.

The photos that are displayed were taken with a Canon G2, four-megapixtel camera.

I welcome your questions or comments. You can reach me at markbirkle@hotmail.com. Please be sure to put "Gramkephoto" in the subject line