Caedes

AOTW #3

Submitted by Samatar 11/18/05 8:02 AM GMT

Our third artist of the week is Photoimagery. Michael was chosen by the previous AOTW, nmsmith, in a four way tie for first place among the current list of nominations. As usual, you are encouraged to check out Michael's exceptional gallery of works and leave your feedback, encouragement and comments for this deserved artist. Below is some informtaion which photoimagery has kindly provided despite time restraints; Michael is currently preparing for surgery, so I'm sure you will all join me in wishing him a speedy recovery aswell as congratulating him on his selection this week!

photoimagery: Thank you for your interest in my work and for choosing me to be the third artist of the week. I feel it to be a real honor. My name is Michael Furner and I live with my beautiful wife DiAnn and two dogs, “Pepper” and “Pugsley”, and a, somewhat, crazy cat, “Baby Girl” (I didn’t name it the wife did). Given my choice I think I would have named it “Chomper”, it loves to bite bare toes. If you ever come for a visit I suggest you wear shoes. I was born in Salt Lake City Utah and moved to Richland Washington when I was 1 ½ years old. My father worked for DuPont as a chemist at Hanford Atomic Works during the Cold War Era and I still live there today, working in the Nuclear Field where we build fuel assemblies for the peaceful use of Atom to generate electricity. I first became interested in photography about 25 years ago. We had an Exxon credit card and they always sent some sort of promotional along in the bill that you could purchase on your card. As I remember it, they were offering a Canon AE-1 Program camera one month. On a whim I ordered it thinking it would be nice to have a camera to take family pictures with. Three years later I was in the city library and the local camera club had an exhibition on. Members had framed works hanging all over so I spent two or three hours looking them all over and that day I was hooked on what has become a life long challenge to produce the perfect image. (At least what I feel is the perfect image). I’ve come close several times but it still eludes me. Needless to say I joined the “Tri-City Camera Club” and have a member ever since. Nature and wildlife is my choice of subjects as I chose what I hoped would be the best avenue to show the wonders and beauty of this old Earth as we are bombarded by images of Natures Fury and Mans inhumanity daily in the media. I work with Canon equipment – mostly film, but recently bought a Canon Digital and am having fun learning all of the bells and whistles. I foresee a day in the not to distant future when digital will all but take over from film. Most of the members of my local club are getting up there in years and are reluctant to make the jump but I feel that it is inevitable so have been busy for the last 5 or 6 years at least scanning my film images into digital. I use Nikon film scanners: Namely the “LS-2000” and the “Super Cool Scan 5000” and am very pleased with the results. I promised myself that when it reached 8-mega pixels and was affordable, I would purchase one. Enter the Canon Rebel XT. A friend at work who by the way never joined introduced me to Caedes almost 1 ½ years ago. I must say that the time spent here has been most rewarding. The images are. ……Well, I guess the best way to describe them is ……exceptional. I have learned a lot from a bunch of very talented, friendly and helpful artists. To those of you who are not photographers, I would like you to know that you have opened my eyes and my mind to a whole new art form. I’m proud to consider you part of my great circle of friends here at Caedes. I don’t know the ins and outs of your art form but I can certainly appreciate your talent and the beauty of your creations. I was asked to maybe list my favorite artist/Caedes artist, and I think that overall I would have to say Art Wolfe. I consider him to be perhaps the greatest Nature and Wildlife photographer alive today. As for my favorite Caedes artist: Of course I have a short list of people that I believe show greater ability but then there are other artists that are struggling to learn the art and I think that that group of people are my favorites. Through them, are coming the next generation of great photographers. Keep up the good work EVERYONE. You all inspire me greatly. I would also like to say a special thanks to all of you for welcoming me into this great group of very special artists and people.

Comments

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.BRIX
11/18/05 5:00 PM GMT
Michael COngratulations!!!, well deserved and a great inspiration to continue doing your great shot!!! enjoy it!!
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“Suspiros etereos se abrazan con un beso eterno” Enjoy My Gallery
::WENPEDER
11/18/05 5:06 PM GMT
Congratulations, Michael! Your work is exemplary and this distinction is well deserved! My thoughts and prayers go out to you in relation to your upcoming surgery! Wen
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::Morwyn
11/18/05 5:21 PM GMT
Congratulations, Michael.. I do love your work.. I wish you well..
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One bead at a time
+ppigeon
11/18/05 5:23 PM GMT
Michael, you are THE photographer I admire more on the site. Really.
I often envy your incredible landscapes. Thanks for your kindness and you talent :-)
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-pierre-
::kjh000
11/18/05 5:41 PM GMT
I must concur there with Pierre. (And Pierres great photography was the reason I stayed here to begin with. ^_^)

I truly admire your constant high quality in your work. I believe you have an immaculate photographic eye... Kudos on that Michael and congratulations! I do believe I've checked most of your work, even if I haven't commented on all... ;) I'll make another raid some day soon. ^_^
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::kodo34
11/18/05 5:53 PM GMT

Congratulations Michael , well desirved
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have a nice day and read more fantasy.
*caedes
11/18/05 6:04 PM GMT
That was a great interview Michael. Good luck with the surgery.
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-caedes
::laurengary
11/18/05 6:07 PM GMT
The congratulations are well deserved Michael. I love the different facets of your work. From the whimsey you've shown us with your image " All Backed Up " to the incredible beauty of "Together We Stand ", you've opened our eyes to the many faces of nature that we might have otherwise passed by, & dismissed as too ordinary. You've brought the beauty of the everyday to us & shown us that it's incredible. Thank you.
On a lighter note, I hope your recovery from your surgery is swift& painless & you're on your feet again soon.
Lauren
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Two wrongs don't make a right, three lefts do.
.mesmerized
11/18/05 6:08 PM GMT
First of all...prayers and best wishes on your upcoming surgery, Michael...do get well soon...we will greatly miss you while away...also, a standing ovation from this corner of the world for your nomination as Artist of the Week/Month...I couldn't agree more with this selection...your works are consistently superior in quality and undoubtedly unique in style and I am constantly in awe of what you share with us...Congratulations on this most deserved recognition and thank you so much for sharing so many of your fine photographs with us.:Pat.
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FEAR is a darkroom where negatives develop.
::philcUK
11/18/05 6:24 PM GMT
Well done Michael and best wishes for a speedy recovery. A very deserving accolade for your exemplary catalogue of work.
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"Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps"
.MiLo_Anderson
11/18/05 7:04 PM GMT
I knew it was only a matter of time before you were the AOTW. Very much deserved. I really liked what you said about some of your pictures being close to perfect. Its interesting how when someone looks at a great picture they didn't take they think its perfect, but if your the one behind the viewfinder you are all ways much more critical of it and it never seems to be perfect. Congragulations.
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Its time for a new sig for me, so it is for sale. Any offers can be made via a message in my profile.
.ekowalska
11/18/05 7:10 PM GMT
I hope everything goes right for you Michael and that soon you will be able to come back to your long-lasting passion. Many many warm congratulations on the well-deserved nomination. I guess your beautiful works give me a lot of mental stimulation and maintain my enthusisam for photography. I hope one day I will be that close to the perfect image as you are now. I guess what is most exciting about it is that the perfect is always impossible to achieve and this is the most fascinating thing about it, which makes us develop our skills and look for new challenges. Best luck

Ewa
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Here is my gallery "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous" Aristotle
::CaptainHero
11/18/05 7:33 PM GMT
Congratulations. I always look forwards to your exceptionally good images.
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"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." Bertrand Russell
.nigel_inglis
11/18/05 8:28 PM GMT
Congratulations Michael, I admire your work.
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What rhymes with Apophysis? Check this out!
.cgImagery
11/18/05 8:40 PM GMT
Congrats and I hope every is and will always be well with you.
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.scionlord
11/18/05 9:40 PM GMT
Congratulations Michael, have a speedy recovery.
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'Study the past, if you would divine the future.' - Confucius
::regmar
11/18/05 9:57 PM GMT
You are an excellent choice for AOTW, Michael. Your work has inspired mine, and I have learned a tremendous amount for watching you and your work. You were the first photographer who I saw produce a slow-motion water effect, and i have enjoyed producing them ever since. You directed me to the rules of composition, and taught me the need for a photographer to use a tripod. These lessons have helped me tremendously, and you taught them. Thanks Michael.
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ж Regmar ж
::david_tio
11/18/05 10:30 PM GMT
Another well deserved nomination. I like your images a lot.

-David
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I invite you to take a close look at my gallery Click Here!
&DigitalFX
11/18/05 10:34 PM GMT
Bit Time Congratulations. You totally earned it. All the very best.
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-DFX -
.J_272004
11/18/05 10:49 PM GMT
Congratulations Michael.. you truly deserve the nomination... i'm a huge fan of your work and have many in my desktop folder... when I came onto this site, I had no idea about photography, I used to see all your fantastic photos and I would have to say that your work is part of the reason I took up a camera... You capture the feelings of everything you shoot whether it is animal, mineral or vegetable =) they are professional quality... you are a champion... and i look forward to many many more beautiful photos to add to my collection.. Again congratulations Michael.. sit back.. relax.. and enjoy your moment... you deserve it... =)
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"Life's like chocolate left in the sun... once it melts its gone"
::cuddlebuddy48
11/18/05 11:11 PM GMT
congrads to you you!! on AOTW...
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.alexis518
11/18/05 11:47 PM GMT
I must say I agree with all the congrats and kind words that have already been said. Your work provides us all with a great example of how to compose a shot and your eye for knowing the good photograph can only be admired. My prayers go out to you for a speedy recovery and a greater good health. Thanks for being such an available member of the community.
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We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.
.postaldude66
11/19/05 12:43 AM GMT
Congratulations, you have a beautiful gallery and are a deserving AOTW. well done
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&trisbert
11/19/05 3:25 AM GMT
It’s great to see you here Michael because your work constantly amazes and inspires me. Congratulations.
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There are three colours, Ten digits and seven notes, its what we do with them that’s important. Ruth Ross
.mimi5947
11/19/05 4:59 AM GMT
A job well done Michael! I remember when your images began appearing on the site, I thought, "hmm, this guy has done some photography before". I even PM'd you to ask, because I was...well, just nosy! lol. I admire the work that you do and the knowledge that you so willingly share. I have tried and or still use some of the things that you have taught me although I am nowhere near the level you are.........:(. I know that you DiAnn have that special relationshiop & have been thru some tough times together. I am so sorry that there is surgery in your near future. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as the days pass, not only as a fellow Caedean,but as a special friend. Hang in there Michael. I am here if you need anything.........just holler. Please give DiAnn my best also. Oh,and when I visit, I promise to wear socks :))
Your honor is well deserved!
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~ Mimi~
.nmsmith
11/19/05 5:50 AM GMT
God bless, Michael. You'll be in our prayers for your surgery. I'm pleased to see so many others agree so enthusiastically on your choice as artist of the week. You're certainly tops in my book. Your images are inspiring. Best wishes, my friend.
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.PuMa
11/19/05 2:44 PM GMT
Congratulations Michael, I'm not thát active any more on caedes, but I think I can call myself one of the old-guard members on caedes now? So I'm familliar with your work. You deserved this more as anyone else on caedes. Keep up the great work! Congratulations again.
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Just be.
.heidlerr
11/19/05 3:01 PM GMT
Congratulations Michael. You have inspired me with your wonderful images. You are deserving of this praise. Best of luck on your surgery and I hope you have a speedy recovery. I will be having surgery to replace a knee next month and will be out of work for about 8 weeks. I plan on taking that time to improve my photoshop skills. I gone digital and I don't think I'll ever go back to film. Have a Happy Holiday Season.
Russ
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View the world with your mind's eye. Mr. Russ
::RobNevin
11/19/05 5:14 PM GMT
Congratulations Michael. A well deserved honour for your gallery and your significant contributions.

Rob
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You're invited to tour my gallery ••• º¹º¹ºº¹¹º¹¹º¹ºººº¹¹º¹ºººº¹¹º¹ººº
.bjb
11/19/05 8:13 PM GMT
Congratulations Michael and my best wishes for a speedy recovery. Thank you too for your participation whenever you are able. Your comments are always thoughtful and complete. It's an honor to receive one when it is genuinely given. I appreciate that you do that. ;)
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When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance... Leanne Womack
::stuffnstuff
11/19/05 10:08 PM GMT
You have so many excellent images! Congradulations. :-)
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-True justice is when doctors and lawyers can no longer afford each other
::DrPepper89
11/19/05 10:43 PM GMT
*applause* Wonderful work. You definitely deserve to be artist of the week! =)
-Laurel
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Start a trend! Instead of saying "Thanks for commenting" on someone's personal page...say thanks by commenting on an image!
::verenabloo
11/20/05 5:46 AM GMT
Hello Michael!:::you are TOPS in photography in my book!Well, maybe I'm a teeny bit biased because you take such gorgeous Oregon photos..Most of the time I can't even find the words to express how completely beautiful you photos are...so I sit here and SIGH long soft sights and just become totally absorbed into your photos. I feel I am your eyes..and can see what you saw when you took the picture. The colours and details in them is just magical. I actually had to remove some of yoru photos in my Favorites Gallery, I had so many of them in there..lol I am proud to be called a friend of yours, because you are a very special person. You care about others and their knowledge, you are willing to teach and share at a moments notice..and yes I know I've been a pain in the ol' behind many times, but you know, I learn BIGTIME from you...I admire your patience..which I don't have much of. When I see your photos I usually GASP..from excitement. The scenery with rolling hills, majestic mountains, the water falls, and the gorgeous macros of flowers..well, awe inspiring is a small way to say it, but the best thing is that you have shared your world of nature with all of us. You, my friend, are a rare person...in more ways than one. Your surgery?..well I know you have so much positiveness within your character that you will come thru it will bells on! I will be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers also...with many hugs thrown over to you through the mighty Columbia...who knows, maybe one day we will meet...and yes I will for sure wear shoes!!...you take good care..and bigtime congrat hugs from me...Verena
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Living is like licking honey off a thorn....
+mayne
11/20/05 3:03 PM GMT
A week seems short for the amount of great images you share with us...congratulations Mike. Get well soon:-)
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Darryl
.lgmac
11/21/05 4:43 AM GMT
Michael, congrats on a well deserved honor. Your gallery is truly beautiful and very inspiring.
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"Little dreams cost the same as big dreams, so why not dream BIG"
.phydeaux
11/21/05 3:44 PM GMT
I'll add my own congrats. Michael, your work is very distinctive, and always inspires me to do better. I hope to have such skill with a camera one day.
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"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
::Paul_Gerritsen
11/21/05 8:40 PM GMT
Michael, congratlations! Enjoy!
Paul
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If you can't find the words, you may as well shoot it...
::arneh
12/03/05 5:51 PM GMT
Congrats Michael - your images are exceptional ! Enjoy your title !

-- Arne --
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