By 
This evening, Tom Parker gave an outstanding presentation at the annual dinner of the Emporia Camera Club. I learned a lot about photography – and about vision, seeing things in fresh ways. He gave me a lot to think about.
Tom talked about his Winter Solstice Project in the autumn of 2009 during which he set out to take one really good photograph every day leading up to the solstice. Here’s just one day’s worth of those photographs: Dec. 21.
He decided at the outset of the project that every day he would take at least one good photo, that every photo would be a wordless story, and that the photos would be square-shaped, not rectangular. By making them square, he said, he had to think and see things differently. The photos would have fewer elements, but that every element counts.
I remember following along during Tom’s Winter Solstice Project and it was fascinating to watch the photos show up online daily. Incredible shots. Every single day. He looked for shadows, patterns, shapes and colors.
Tom is an award-winning reporter and photographer for the Washington County News. He lives in Blue Rapids. Check out his website: Dispatches from Kansas.
But wait… there’s more…
In addition to taking stunning photographs, Tom is one of the best writers in the state. And in honor of Tom Parker’s appearance in Emporia this evening, I will be giving away an autographed copy of Tom’s book, Dispatches from Kansas. This is a collection of his newspaper columns.
Anyone who leaves a comment here or on my Flyover People facebook page will be entered in a drawing to WIN this fabulous signed copy of Tom’s book.
Deadline for entry is noon, Tues., May 17.
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Wow! Those Day 21 photos have tremendous depth to them. I want to use words like texture and talk about the richness in the darkness.
Truly amazing images. I have always loved images of old things and every day things. Tom creates the rich character they deserve. I enjoyed them both then and now. Kansas has so much great talent! G:-)
We would love to have a copy of Tom Parker’s “Dispatches from Kansas” in our small town Library, Ness City Public Library, Ness City!
Thanks for the opportunity to win Tom’s book. It looks very nice and enjoyable.
Do not want to be part of the draw, the book should stay in the USA to make people aware of the beauty of the landscape.
Nancy — Expect one in the mail.
@Tom Parker
Thank you so much Tom Parker for donating a copy of your book to the Ness City Public Library, Ness City KS. It arrived this morning & I can’t wait to put it on the shelf, take it home to read & recomment it to our patrons. We love Kansas authors!