Caedes

Artist Spotlight #15

Submitted by Piner 05/15/06 9:37 PM GMT

'Have Camera, Will Travel' reads the card of a man.
A knight without armor in a savage land. His fast shutter for hire, leaving others in the dust. A soldier of fortune is the man called Russ.

  • Heidler, Heidler, Where do you roam?
  • Heidler, Heidler, Far, far from home.

    He travels on to wherever he must; A OWotGS is his badge of trust. There are campfire legends that the plainsmen share, of the gallery of the man called Heid-l-l-l-l-er!

    Thank you Caedes community for honoring me in the “Artist Spotlight”. I am thankful to all of you fine folks for your continued support of my images. For those folks that are not familiar with me or my work, my name is Russ Heidler and I’m living in Macon, Georgia. I’m married to a great portrait artist, Dee Ann, and have two lovely grown children, Heather and Cody. I am also a Grandpa to a cool little guy named Keanu.

    I’ve been photographing for about 45 years but the passion has come and gone several times over those years due to events in my life. I’ve had some training in photography from the Air Force, The School of Modern Photography and The New York Institute of Photography. In my 20’s and 30’s I had a home darkroom and spent my nights in the dark breathing chemicals fumes learning to process film and prints. I also did wedding and advertising photography to make a little extra money.

    This latest passion started several years ago when I purchased a digital camera. Up until then I had been away from taking photos for about 15 years and was involved with computers. It became a marriage of two passions that opened a whole new world of creativity. I had worked in a photo lab as a younger man doing a wide range photographing and processing tasks. What was difficult to do in the darkroom became easy with Photoshop with much more control and helped rekindle the passion that I lost. I no longer try to make money in Photography and pursue it for the pleasure of creating an image that others can enjoy.

    I’ve always been a big fan of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston and they have been part of my inspiration to strive for a good image. There are a lot of great photographers out there and I try to get ideas and techniques from them.

    A few years ago I was surfing the net for some desktop wallpapers and came across Caedes. It was a gold mine of fine images and friends from around the world. I soon became hooked. Caedes has had some growing pains but overall it’s a wonderful site. Due to changes at work and some recent health issues, I have not been able to spend as much time on Caedes as I would like so I would like to thank everyone ahead of time for your responses. I will respond to your comments as time permits.

    Thanks again, Russ

    Comments

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    ::nigel_inglis
    05/15/06 9:53 PM GMT
    Congratulations Russ! You're a great photographer, I like your scary bug photos haha!
    0∈ [?]
    Unity through faith - Strength through unity Check this out!
    .scionlord
    05/15/06 9:53 PM GMT
    Congratulations Russ.
    0∈ [?]
    'Study the past, if you would divine the future.' - Confucius
    ::Hottrockin
    05/15/06 10:43 PM GMT
    Way to go on your Artist Spotlight Russ, you really deserve it!! Congrats!!
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    .alexis518
    05/15/06 10:50 PM GMT
    I have always enjoyed your work, Russ. You have a fine eye for composing a shot and a great ability to get the most out of your camera. Congratulations on getting well deserved recognition.
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    We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.
    .foofoo
    05/16/06 12:54 AM GMT
    So well deserved Russ. I have always enjoyed your work here also. You have that unique gift of showing emotion in your photos. Congratulations!
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    Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares
    .LynEve
    05/16/06 2:41 AM GMT
    Congratulations Russ. Very well deserved. Your gallery is full of talent and imagination, and a great inspiration to all. Well done :)
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    Keep your face to the sunshine and you can not see the shadows. It's what sunflowers do - Helen Keller
    &nmsmith
    05/16/06 3:11 AM GMT
    May I echo the comments above? A well-deserved honor to an artist I admire. My hat's off to you. Your images are inspiring, and part of the reason I keep coming back to Caedes. I appreciate so very much you taking time to comment on my images as well. Thank you!
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    ::mimi
    05/16/06 4:09 AM GMT
    Congratulations to another well-deserving artist! I have admired your work since you came on board the caedes.net train! I like your subject matter and the fact that you are more than willing to help another artist if asked. You are not afraid to critique, in a very polite manner) any image, which in turn helps the other artists on this site. I think it would be a lot of fun to shadow you for one day and watch you make your camera do the magic that it does!
    Good job all the way around Russ. Enjoy your time in the spotlight, you have definitely earned it.
    Thank you for all that you have taught me as well :~)
    0∈ [?]
    ~mimi~
    .ekowalska
    05/16/06 6:34 AM GMT
    Another artist I admire so much got picked for the Artist Spotlight. Russ, you are a great photographer and contributor to the site! Your gallery is a pure pleasure to view, including all sorts of flowers, insects, mushroom, waterfalls and scenery, all of very high standard and quality. Congratulations on a well-deserved honor, my friend. Enjoy your spotlight time! :)

    I look forward to viewing more of your work in the near future.
    Ewa
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    If you admire nature for its creations why don't you visit the gallery of its reporter...
    .priyanthab
    05/16/06 7:18 AM GMT
    Hay Russ. Congrats on ur spotlight. Needless to say how much I enjoy ur macro photos recently. Keep it up!!
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    +ppigeon
    05/16/06 9:09 AM GMT
    Go! Russ! You are a most experienced photographer. Thanks to share your nature shots with us... Congrats! :-)
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    -Pierre-
    ::Dunstickin
    05/16/06 9:45 AM GMT
    Sincere congratulations on your 'Artist's Spotlight' Russ.....Could'nt have happened to a nicer fella!...............
    0∈ [?]
    ** For the next few weeks, I will not be Commenting as much as I should, I Will be looking at ALL of your Picture posts...I apologise from the bottom of my heart for this...Things should be back to 'normal' after the holiday period**
    &groo2k
    05/16/06 10:31 AM GMT
    Congrats Russ on being the AOTW! Your photography is very polished. I have enjoyed both your nature and your still life work. It doesn't get much better than this shot.
    -Rob
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    &kjh000
    05/16/06 1:04 PM GMT
    Congrats. Nice to see you in the spotlight. I've always enjoyed your photos. :)
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    ::jds
    05/16/06 1:42 PM GMT
    Congrats Russ.Have followed your excellent work since you started uploading.Please continue to share with us,much appreciated......Jim
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    ::J_272004
    05/16/06 1:43 PM GMT
    Congrats Russ on a well deserved award... your photo's are an inspiration to the beginners like me.. =) always so clear.. I was going to say which were my favs.. but when I went through my folder on my hard drive.. there were so many of them, from dragon flies to birds, from flowers to beautiful waterfalls... all of them perfect... they are always a pleasure to view... Look forward to seeing more of your wonderful photos... so now put your feet up, relax, exercise those fingers (cos you will have a lot of typing to do now.. lol) and enjoy your award....
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    "A sense of humour is as important to life as shock absorbers to a car.. It helps us over the bumps im life" / P.K. Shaw
    ::marilynjane
    05/16/06 3:48 PM GMT
    Hi Russ, I offer to you my most profound and heartfelt congratulations for having won this most prestigious, much deserved honor!! You are one of my dearest friends and a very fine person! I have great respect for you! Both for being a gentleman, and for your many outstanding photographic skills and talents, as expressed through your lens and shared with us at Caedes! Your distinguished photographic professionalism has placed you among the stars! Please enjoy your time in the spotlight, because it is really a special place to be for very special people! My best wishes to you and thank you for all those outstanding photos sent our way by 'special delivery' for us to enjoy! Enjoy this wonderful time Russ, with my blessings indeed! Marilyn
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    .kiciaczek
    05/16/06 4:40 PM GMT
    Congratulations Russ! I'm glad your work has been recognized, for it is trully outstanding.
    I admire your gallery. Please keep posting. Best wishes,
    Eva
    0∈ [?]
    "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought." Albert Szent-Gyorgi "my gallery"
    .hernoor
    05/16/06 9:56 PM GMT
    Congratulations Russ! Your gallery is really outstanding! Keep it up!
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    Tomorrow might never be | When you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything - Doc Brown | My Gallery |
    ::heidlerr
    05/16/06 11:14 PM GMT
    Thanks everyone! I appreciate your support and cherish your opinions. You all have inspired and encouraged me to provide the best images that I could produce. I've enjoyed this period of growth. Bless you all!
    Russ
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    Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual. Edward Weston
    ::madmaven
    05/16/06 11:36 PM GMT
    Well deserved...CONGRATULATIONS! I cannot tell you how many of your images grace my hard-drive, but the first 2 that come to mind are : a small fiddler type crab and a spotted moth-wasp type bug...{ I always called it "The God Bee" as looking at it, I have no doubt there is a God...what a beauty of creation that bee is!}
    I am VERY happy for you and definitely, you are one of my favorite artists/photographers!
    Warmest Wishes, Terri

    PS: went and looked in my faves here on site and saw many of your photos...:) { including the bee/wasp and the crab...:)
    0∈ [?]
    If you never participate in VOTING BOOTH, please do not whine about the C-Index!
    ::laurengary
    05/17/06 1:47 AM GMT
    Congratulations Russ on earning this well deserved honor ! You've done some really great work, but I think I like On Golden Pond 5 the best, that's one gorgeous manipulation ! So enjoy your time in the sun....you've earned it ! ;o)
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    Ask Not For Whom The Bell Tolls .......Let The Machine Get It ........ MY GALLERY
    .mesmerized
    05/17/06 2:18 PM GMT
    Congratulations Russ !!!...I am SO glad to see another of my favorite artists deservedly recognized as AOTW...it comes as no surprise that you have a few years experience with the camera given the superb quality of workmanship in your gallery...your marvellous macros have given us quite an intimate look at a variety of flowers and insects..your water and nature shots are all beautiful and to be envied, and while I notice you have trimmed back your gallery some, I also recall some humorous shots from you in the past as well...I will certainly revisit your gallery during the coming days and know I will enjoy every minute...thanks for your friendship and all you've shared with us...take care and do get your health back soon...meanwhile, enjoy all the accolades.:Pat.
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    Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams~
    +photoimagery
    05/17/06 11:56 PM GMT
    Congratulations Russ. I wondered how long it would take to put you in this spot because It is long overdo. You are a fantastic artist and a very good teacher. Thank you for so many comments helping others.
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    +camerahound
    05/18/06 6:36 AM GMT
    Well, talk about a worthy warrior! Many thanks for all of your images and knowledge imparted to us all. Congrats!
    0∈ [?]
    Confacimus -- comestemus!
    .spytfire
    05/18/06 5:42 PM GMT
    Wow. I just took a look at your gallery, and you inspire me! Your composition, subjects, etc....you have a fine eye for great photos. Thank you for sharing such wonderful works of art with us.
    0∈ [?]
    Silence sometimes speaks to you, and you should listen.
    ::cuddlebuddy48
    05/18/06 9:18 PM GMT
    Hey Russ!! Congrads to you!!
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    .FutureResident
    05/18/06 11:48 PM GMT
    Great job! Well earned & deserved!!
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    tell you what?...that i still love you? that i want to be with you for the rest of our lives and that im stupid for leaving you? well thats what i wanted to say but like i said it wont change a thing, because you love ashton and i cant leave krystalynne.
    ::WENPEDER
    05/19/06 5:13 AM GMT
    Congratulations, Russ! This is a well deserved honor! Not only is your gallery incredible, but you stand out as someone who has contributed a great deal to the Caedes community . . . supporting and encouraging other artists! I hope your "recent health issues" resolve, Russ. Again, congrats! Wen
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    ::jrasband123
    05/19/06 5:16 AM GMT
    Congratulations Russ

    I have added many of your images to my favorites and used many of them for my wallpaper. Thanks for sharing your wonderful images.

    Well deserved honor.
    Jackie
    0∈ [?]
    Thank you for always sticking with me! My gallery.
    ::vicvog
    05/20/06 1:40 AM GMT
    Bravo Russ! Congratulations! I've loved your gallery for quite awhile. This was well deserved! Couldn't be happier for you! Vicky
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    BRIX
    05/20/06 3:01 AM GMT
    congratulations!!!!!!!!! well deserved :)
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    *caedes
    05/21/06 2:31 AM GMT
    I've really been keeping an eye on your gallery ever since your participation in the first Caedes calendar. Your work is certainly inspirational to me when I go out into the world with my camera. I hope that your work and health issues clear up soon.
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    -caedes
    ::jswgpb
    05/21/06 3:16 AM GMT
    Hey Russ congrats on a well deserved honor, keep those batteries fresh and just keep sharing those great pics.
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    ::heidlerr
    05/21/06 2:15 PM GMT
    Thanks again to all of you wonderful folks that support my photography. The work involves System Administration and won't get better until I retire. The health issue was a knee replacement and is improving daily. I'm eager for another road trip.
    Russ
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    Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual. Edward Weston
    ::verenabloo
    05/22/06 7:23 AM GMT
    You know, Russ, I have never forgotten your Sweetgum photo. I just loved that so much. The colours behind it and also the fact it reminded me of living in the South. Then too I remember so well your Andersonville cat...what a most lovely kitty and those photos were just sweet ! Your pictures of the many "buggaboos" are grand!..even tho I dont linger long to look at them, since I really dont have much "appreciation" for insects..lol..but I do so love the flowers you show with all the dewdrops. The Pussywillow macro is one of my most favorite of your photos now, even tho I just recently saw that one for the first time. I have not always commented that much on your postings, but you need to know that I DO look at them and enjoy them very much. I am proud for you that you are enjoying photography..its certainy a pleasure in anyones life I think. I wanted to say I feel for you with your knee problem. I damaged the cartiledge in my right knee many years ago, and I still suffer with it. A store I went into had mopped their floor and did NOT post a warning sign, I came walking on it with high heels and slipped and fell! Hitting my knee and tearing a tendon in my hip, so I have kept these "sourvenirs" all this time. It was too late for me to have surgery..and so its something I have to live with. But I know you will do fine, just make sure you allow plenty of time for the healing..take good care of you and thank you for you many enjoyable photos. I also want to thank you for the many many comments you have made about my photos, I appreciate your sincerity very much..Verena
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    It's not the years in our life that matter, but the life in our years.
    .BorderingOrion
    05/22/06 6:09 PM GMT
    You have a great gallery Heidler. Congratulations on obtaining the Artist Spotlight status. It is well deserved. I can't wait to see more of your excellent work in the near future. warm wishes, Iain.
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    It's better to have a living dog, than a dead lion.
    ::geolgynut
    05/22/06 7:14 PM GMT
    Congratulations neighbor!! Maybe someday our paths will cross photographing the beautiful Southeast.
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    We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. ...Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955)
    .mmynx34
    05/23/06 12:41 AM GMT
    Ah, am I to late to give my very warm congratulations? I've been looking through your gallery a few times, and it's really very impressive. A wide variety of subjects, all with excellent quality. I can see why you were chosen for this "award". Well deserved. The macro shots are awsome, but I can not really point out specific ones, as all of them are great pieces of art. Well done and CONGRATULATIONS, Russ. It's very well deserved and of cos a great inspiration to beginners like myself! Thank you so much!
    Marietha
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    Live every day as if it's your last... and take "pictures" of it ;)
    &philcUK
    05/24/06 5:19 PM GMT
    many congratulations Russ on your well deserved honour - way overdue! :-)
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    .MissTish
    05/25/06 7:40 PM GMT
    Congrats!! Definitely well deserved. Keep up the amazing work.
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    "A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." ~Eudora Welty~
    ::Paul_Gerritsen
    05/25/06 8:58 PM GMT
    Congratulations Russ,
    nice to read you story!
    I like you as a photographer and a true supporter!
    You do some very nice works, and I intend to enjoy it for a long time.
    Paul Gerritsen
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    If you can't find the words, you may as well shoot it...
    .jennyvladimirova
    05/28/06 3:01 PM GMT
    Russ, congratulations on earning the Artist Spotlight! I have to say I was waiting to see this happening one day, since you really deserve this recognition as an artist! Needless to say I am a great fan of your work, and your perfect images have always been an inspiration for me! Thank you for being part of Caedes and for sharing your masterpieces with us!
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    mxvirgil
    05/28/06 9:02 PM GMT
    Thanks for sharing your talent with us, and the inspiration you lend. You're among those who've set the bar high enough to challenge excellence. Keep well...

    - Mike
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    &trisbert
    05/29/06 10:38 PM GMT
    It’s great to see you recognised in this way Russ. Your gallery is rich and diverse in it’s content and your bug shots in particular are a source of inspiration for me. Congratulations for this well deserved honour.
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    There are three colours, Ten digits and seven notes, its what we do with them that’s important. Ruth Ross
    ::heidlerr
    05/29/06 10:48 PM GMT
    Thank you for all of your kind and supportive comments. Please give Grimbug (Graeme) your support for this weeks spotlight on his Gallery.
    Russ
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    Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual. Edward Weston
    +mayne
    06/03/06 5:02 AM GMT
    Never better than late?...congrats Russ:-)
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    Darryl
    +camerahound
    06/03/06 11:00 PM GMT
    Russ! A more deserving shutterbug I couldn't find. I have dowloaded more of your images, especially the macros, than anyone else's. I have a Heidler gallery in my wallpaper program.
    0∈ [?]
    Veni, Vidi. Flati

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