Caedes

Artist Spotlight # 30

Submitted by mimi 02/28/08 6:25 AM GMT

Chosen by popular vote, I present to you our next artist to be spotlighted.This artist takes his work seriously by setting up a playground for his hungry and willing subjects so he can capture them as well as their image and present it to us for our viewing pleasure!

Sans feathers, I present to you egggray. Take flight and go through his gallery rest your wings a bit and now and then and let Gregg know which image is your favorite and why and if you haven’t left a comment or two, take the time to do that now. You may leave any celebratory comments for Gregg below after reading his biography.

I am truly honored that my peers have chosen me as Artist of the month. I am deeply touched, and would like to thank everyone who voted for me. My real name is Gregg (egggray in pig latin) I have been married for 23 years, have 2 boys, age 17 and 22. I have a cat named Ziggy, my wife owns 2 dogs and is a professional dog trainer. I am a telecommunications technician working at a large hospital complex near St. Louis,Mo. I use a Canon 40D, with 18-55 mm lens, but mostly my Canon 70mm-200mm f/4 L series lens for my bird and insect photos. I was at work one day and noticed 2 computers with beautiful wallpapers of scenery on them, I asked where they got them and they told me seeds.net. I could not find it on the computer, had to ask them how to spell it. I went home and starting looking at all the photos on the site and was truly amazed. Then I realized these were people uploading their own photos, and getting comments on them. So, on 3/27/06, I scanned an old photo I had and posted it. I received a comment in only a few minutes.

After that I went to the store to check out digital cameras, I found a Nikon D50 and was amazed how it looked and felt just like the old Nikon FM camera I have had since the 80’s. It took awhile to learn how to use it, but in no time I was uploading good photos on Caedes. I tried a few bird photos, and then realized I could get real close to them by setting my feeder by my window and shooting from only 6 feet away. I then put tree branches around my feeder so they would land on them giving the photos a more natural look. Caedes is what inspired me to get into photography. I have been hooked ever since. A much better hobby than sitting in front of the boob tube all day. And I enjoy all the wonderful comments I get from my photos. A lot of people here have inspired me and helped me along the way; you all know who you are. I have also been able to help a few people take better bird photos by telling them the setup I use, and I am grateful for that. Short life story; born and raised in Euclid, Ohio near Cleveland. Joined the Army in 1976, served for 3 years in Germany. Moved to California in 1980, met and married my beautiful wife Linda, started a family, got tired of California in 1995 and moved to Missouri. I love taking nature photos and give thanks to God for letting me share with the world the beauty he has created. My favorite photo is “Created by God” I plan on getting another macro lens this Spring and concentrate on Butterflies, flowers, and other insect photos, and I will throw in a bird photo or two. Caedes is a great community, a family to me, I have made a lot of friends here and hope to make more.

Thank you for commenting on my photos and inspiring me to do more. I know I post to many bird photos but everyone says keep them coming, so I will. Now I will sit back an enjoy my time in the spotlight. God bless all of you and keep on posting your fantastic Art work. Gregg

Comments

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::Hottrockin
03/06/08 12:29 AM GMT
That owd bum!! HeheHahaHoho!!

Not a more deserving fella to get an AS position!! Fantabulous works throughout his vast gallery as ALL should really have a peek!!

And to think I get a private lesson in raptor captures in two weeks...COOL...see ya then buddy and a BIG congrats on your AS, it's about time!!
0∈ [?]
Why do the pictures come out square when the lens is round?? Picture Purrrfect .
::m0rnstar
03/06/08 12:56 AM GMT
Hooray! I'm soo happy for you Gregg! You so much deserve this - my favorite is "Wing Check" - your style is so relaxed and professional - I look forward to your posts all the time! Congrats and many many kudos... ~*Mary*~

For your convenience: Wing Check
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Thanks to all the great Caedesians for your help and kind advice. Please visit my Image Gallery
::cynlee
03/06/08 1:04 AM GMT
I was just wondering when you would get this distinction and it's long in coming and definitely well deserved. Your images are some of the best here, Gregg without a doubt. You have a talent for wonderful closeups and you are both helpful and inspiring. So, my hat's off to you for this public recognition since we all know 'personally' just how good your photography is already. I'm hoping to see some of those great butterfly, flower and insect macros coming up! I know they are going to be delightful to view. Cindy
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::Joanie
03/06/08 1:05 AM GMT
Way to go Gregg! Congrats and you very well deserve it. I've always truly loved your bird photos and I hope you keep them coming!
Joanie
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Life is the pits sometimes, but God and your friends are always there to help you through it.
.angelledaemon
03/06/08 1:10 AM GMT
Congrats to you on this honor! You are really talented!!
0∈ [?]
Angelle "because reality isn't nearly as fun."
::phasmid
03/06/08 1:13 AM GMT
I don't understand why you haven't gotten this before. In fact, I thought you had! I'm happy for you, my friend. Enjoy your time in the limelight and I'll be one of the throng who continues to encourage you to keep on "birdin'" !

:)PJ
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"Where there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see." ~Dorothea Lange
::100k_xle
03/06/08 2:35 AM GMT
Well Deserved, Your Work Is Wonderful !

E J
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::jeenie11
03/06/08 4:23 AM GMT
congratulations, gregg! what a well deserved honor. jen
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sorry if i don't comment on each of your pictures. to those of you who comment so often, i can't imagine how you get it done! Please Visit My Gallery
.LANJOCKEY
03/06/08 5:24 AM GMT
Hello Gregg....I would like to sincerely congratulate you on your Artist Spotlight Award....I wish you all the best with your photography and life endeavours,whatever they may be...Mick.
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=ppigeon
03/06/08 7:37 AM GMT
Since some monthes, I was waiting for your nomination, Gregg.
Your birds captures are so high quality that I hesitate now to post this sort of photos on the site...
Congrats! :-)
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-Pierre-
::JQ
03/06/08 10:01 AM GMT
Congrats Gregg, your gallery shows how deserving you are of this! Enjoy your time in the spotlight, well done you! :-) Jan
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.Jhihmoac
03/06/08 10:45 AM GMT
Is THAT where "EGGRAY" is derived from?...And here I thought there'd be some sci-fi "Alien Secret Weapon" storyline behind it! (LOL)...A great recognition for some excellent posts! Congrats!
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"Let us forever cherish and hold sacred these moments...for it is our undoing ...should we forget..." -William Shakespeare ... Visit Jhihmoac's Gallery
::twinkel
03/06/08 12:39 AM GMT
Well deserved Gregg, your birdspictures are always beautiful and amazing!
0∈ [?]
laughter is the best medicine.
+trisbert
03/06/08 1:32 PM GMT
I’m thrilled that got this accolade Gregg. You’ve really earned it with your bird photos.
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There are three colours, Ten digits and seven notes, its what we do with them that’s important. Ruth Ross
::LynEve
03/06/08 1:46 PM GMT
Congratulations Gregg - your work is wonderful and this recognition so well deserved.
Enjoy your Spotlight, preen your feathers and be proud :)
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The question is not what you look at, but what you see ~ Marcel Proust
.alexis518
03/06/08 2:13 PM GMT
Congratulations, Gregg! Your photos are truly among the finest on this site and I have many on my own HD now.
0∈ [?]
Much of the beauty in life is found in people who care.
.rhelms
03/06/08 6:02 PM GMT
Congrats Gregg! I love all your pics, and was glad that you were chosen for this. Best wishes, Raynie.
0∈ [?]
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13
::Dunstickin
03/06/08 6:38 PM GMT
Reap the rewards old friend...you truly deserve them with those fantastic birds to post...

The praise of being nominated is a just reward for all your fines works!

Well done mate
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* To Believe in myself and have faith in my Photography * OwdBob'sGallery
::fogz
03/06/08 11:26 PM GMT
Congratulations Gregg, a well deserved accolade! I have been an admirer of your amazing bird photographs for a long time. :) Patti
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"Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile" .... mygallery
::DigiCamMan
03/06/08 11:37 PM GMT
Hey Gregg,

Just saw this...congratulations you really deserve this bud. No one shoots birds like you do. You inspired me to try more than once but we have cats so...hey maybe I should shoot cats. Good going, glad to see ya get this.
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Lu 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. ........ My Gallery
::JEdMc91
03/06/08 11:58 PM GMT
Congrats Greg! You really deserve this honor..I really like each and every one of your pics...keep them coming :-)
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John 3:16
::muggsy
03/07/08 12:35 AM GMT
To me Gregg ... it was never a matter of "IF" ... but rather "WHEN" ... your photographic skills would be given the recognition so richly deserved. Your time has finally come and this "Bird Lover" could not be more pleased. You my friend have been an inspiration to me ever since I became a member of Caedes. Your bird photography is among the best we have at Caedes, ... especially your "Hummer" shots which blew me away from day one. Don't ask me to pick a favorite my friend ... there are just too many of your captures among my favorites to select one. Congratulations Gregg, it's been my pleasure to view your work and an honor to have you as a friend. Well done and Well deserved.
0∈ [?]
Just an old "Grampa" who still has a Kodak "Box" camera kicking around the attic ... learning and enjoying the wonders of modern digital photography.
::jswgpb
03/07/08 2:24 AM GMT
Well deserved Gregg, your photos are second to none. Congratulation my friend, this is an honor and I couldn't be happier for you. John
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Always remember - Follow the Yellow Brick Road, it will lead you to the Emerald City and OZ A very nice place to be. Trust me on this one, I live there. The Lion **** MY CAEDES GALLERY****Another Site I'm AT - MY DA HOME PAGE
::PatAndre
03/07/08 2:43 AM GMT
Congrats Gregg. It is long overdue. Should have happened looooooong time ago. Your bird images are as professional as any. My hardrive is full of them. Keep shooting and enjoy this great privilege afforded you.
Pat
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::0930_23
03/07/08 3:27 AM GMT
They picked the Right man from Wright City Gregg. I've noticed your photo's since my first day on this site and have enjoyed them all. Initially I was drawn to your hummingbirds but found that I like any and all of your photo's. I really like Wing Check. It's a pleasure to reside in the same state and be a fellow Cardinal fan. Both of the bird and birds. This honor is well deserved. Congratulations my friend.

Tick
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I'll meet you at the edge of the sunlight, just behind the shadows. The Ghost
::laurengary
03/07/08 4:37 AM GMT
Congratulations Gregg ! You definitely deserve this recognition ! And what an inspired idea that was, to put branches by your bird feeders ! The simplest ideas are so often the best ones. Anyway, your photographs are beautiful & I'm so pleased to see you shine like this ! Congratz again !
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I've got amnesia & deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before ! ......CLICK TO SAVE LIVES ! .......MY GALLERY
::bean811
03/07/08 5:05 AM GMT
Well deserved Gregg...congrats!! Your shots are fantastic and, of course, your bird photographs are second to none. I look forward to seeing your butterfly and insect shots..we should all be in for a treat!
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::jcferg99
03/07/08 7:24 AM GMT
Gregg, I hardly ever look at the front page so am just now seeing your selection as artist of the month. I don't think I've ever seen one of my friends get this honor and been more pleased and proud than I am to see that you have been selected. I've enjoyed your eagerness to participate and your passion to improve since your first posts (I still have the image of the sideways tree) and it is a delight to see how far you have come and and to know that you are still setting goals for even greater achievement in the future. Well done, my friend.
JoAnn
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.gerryp
03/07/08 8:32 AM GMT
Greg...congrats on being picked "Artist Of Month"...it is an honour...but your pictures reflect your advancement in this hobby. Birds are not the easiest subject to photograph as you well know but you have mastered it well...gerry
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"The more we come in contact with animals, and observe their behaviour, the more we love them, for we see how great is their care for their young." - philosopher Immanuel Kant
.ekowalska
03/07/08 11:36 AM GMT
Finally Greg - our favourite bird watcher in spotlight! This honor is long overdue. I am so glad for you. Thank you for the insight you've given us to the amazing world of our feathered friends. Your bird captures are some of the best that I've ever seen. 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.

Once more: Congratulations on a well-deserved honor, my friend. Enjoy your spotlight time! :)

Hugs from Warsaw, Poland
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"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures." Henry Ward Beecher
::scorpie
03/07/08 2:55 PM GMT
Congratulations Gregg, an honour well deserved, you know how much I admire your photography. Nancy
0∈ [?]
Why not go out on a limb, that is where the fruit is.... Frank Scully
::kodo34
03/07/08 4:00 PM GMT
Congrats Gregg , Twas a long time coming . I always enjoy your pictures , keep up the fine work .

Kristof .
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....Dreamstime..... Art is born of the observation and investigation of nature. Big stock photo
::wheedance
03/07/08 6:04 PM GMT
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! I loved reading how you came to be interested in Caedes and followed through with all of your amazing photos. Hilda
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All of earth is crammed with heaven And every bush aflame with God But only those who see take off their shoes. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning<p> mygallery
::danika
03/07/08 8:54 PM GMT
A well deserved honor Gregg. You are a top-notch bird photographer & I love every one of them. Congratulations!
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Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away ~ George Carlin
::427cobraAC
03/07/08 10:03 PM GMT
Congrats Gregg no one deserves it more.
0∈ [?]
And the Lord said " Go Sox "
&purmusic
03/07/08 10:29 PM GMT
And who said that there were too many bird shots on the site here?

:oP

Just kidding, Gregg.

Congratulations on your ascension into the spotlight. Well deserved on all accounts.

Enjoy your time in the limelight ... and here's to many more photos of our fine-feathered friends coming from your camera and minds' eye.

You helped raise the bar on those types of images ... take a bow. :o)
0∈ [?]
"Sometimes me think what is love, and then me think love is what last cookie is for. Me give up the last cookie for you." - Cookie Monster
::Toto_san
03/08/08 9:30 AM GMT
It is a great honour to see your excellent works here and learn what top quality means. My compliments. God bless you, my friend.
0∈ [?]
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, His eternal power and Godhead;... Rom 1:20
.OrchidLadyLinda
03/08/08 5:26 PM GMT
~ Most of the bird shots on my HD are yours Gregg...Congrats on your soooo well deserved AS honor & many thanks for all the pleasure us bird lovers get from your wonderful work! I love all your birds but your hummer shots are my favs.
:)
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~Seek the wonder of every day~ ***** My Gallery
::Jimbobedsel
03/09/08 1:05 PM GMT
Congrats to you for being selected Artist Of The Month. You deserve it. Your pictures are outstanding.

Jim
0∈ [?]
I'd rather be here, than where I'm at!
.Ramad
03/09/08 11:04 PM GMT
Congratulations Gregg, on becoming "Artist of the Month". I have always admired your bird photos especially for their naturalness and clarity. I have had a couple as my desktop for a while. I say keep them coming!
0∈ [?]
If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
::casechaser
03/09/08 11:50 PM GMT
Congrats Gregg, you do the Spotlight honor. Your body of work is amazing and I hope to enjoy it for many more years. ~~ John
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If you have some extra time, please visit my gallery
.heidlerr
03/10/08 2:17 PM GMT
The artist spotlight is long overdue to shine on your work. Your images are amazing and some of the best that I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing your vision and talent with us. Enjoy you time in the spotlight for it shines on a master.
Russ
0∈ [?]
Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual. Edward Weston
::Skynet5
03/10/08 3:05 PM GMT
Well deserved, friend!
0∈ [?]
"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" -Optimus Prime
.ksshutterbug
03/10/08 5:51 PM GMT
Gregg,

Congrats on the honor. Keep up the wonderful photography.

Harold
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::doubleheader
03/10/08 10:19 PM GMT
Yeah!! bout time there bud..lol.. Most excellent gallery Gregg.. Good choice ya made between the boob-tube and the camera.. Congrats on this honor..and thanks for your service in the army..can't wait to see what ya do with a new macro lens...=D
0∈ [?]
Live simply. Speak kindly. Care deeply. Love generously.
::mesmerized
03/11/08 3:19 PM GMT
Sorry for the delay in my congratulations...but a very worthy nominee indeed...I found your bio really interesting and commend you on the amazing results and progress you've made in such a short time...your bird shots are fabulous and often find themselves to my desktop...keep up the great work.
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.foofoo
03/12/08 12:12 AM GMT
So glad to see you've been nominated for this honor Gregg and what a well deserved honor it is my friend. Enjoy your time in the spotlight. It would be hard to pick a favorite in your gallery- they're all professionally presented. I'm so happy for you.
0∈ [?]
May your walls know joy,May every room hold laughter,and every window open to great possibility: Maryanne Radmacher-Hershey
.21citrouilles
03/12/08 9:18 PM GMT
Congrats Gregg on this spotlight! mI'm glad for you. I enjoyed reading your bio and find your gallery of bird images fabulous, one of the best. :)
0∈ [?]
For prints, cards and t-shirts of my paintings and fractals, please go here .
::sasraku
03/15/08 9:56 AM GMT
Gregg,

Congrats on the honor. Keep up the wonderful photography.

Mark.
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No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. COME ON YOU GREENS, UP THE ARGYLE.....
.marcaribe
03/23/08 4:51 PM GMT
Congrats Gregg! You deserve it seeing that you are a super nature picture taker...best wishes!
Diane
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.ww2spitfire
03/23/08 7:58 PM GMT
Well done Gregg. Your images just stand out. Enjoy :o))
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.Omotou
03/30/08 4:27 PM GMT
Congratulations! Well deserved honour!
0∈ [?]
Old enough to know better - not old enough to resist ;-)
::photog024
03/31/08 3:35 AM GMT
i've always known your pics especially your humming bird pics are 'world class'!!
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.legster69
05/11/08 9:54 PM GMT
Gregg, you finally got what you have deserved for quite a while, in my eyes. I have never received anything but goodness from you, and you have held me in high esteem for my photos, which has always meant a lot to me, especially after seeing how talented you were, even more so now. I admire your passion, your will to learn more, and your selflessness when it came to others' work. You are truly a gentleman, and I will cherish your work and your kindness for years to come. I also want to thank you for not forgetting me as an artist or as a friend. I will be back one day, and I am sure you will welcome me with open arms. That's just the kind of guy you are ... a gentleman.

Congratulations, Gregg.

10∈ [?]
~Robert~
.gonedigital
05/27/08 7:22 PM GMT
Congratulations on a honour so well deserved Sir

Sorry for the late comment Gregg but I rarely visit Caedes homepage
Since joining Caedes I have always loved your small bird photos, & felt jealous of you at the fantastic visitors to Greggs cafe. :o)
Your work is brilliant, & the only suggestion I have for you is why no try a few hi speed flashguns for the Hummer shots ? it could give you so many new options.
Regards Phil
17∈ [?]
Big brother's watching you :o) A mistreated dog should try to leave a deposit on their masters best carpet, after all it's important to establish who's boss ... My gallery is here.

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