Photographer Spotlight: Zahir Batin

Even though I'm no longer focusing on macro for my book this semester, I just stumbled across the work of Zahir Batin and wanted to share.

As you can see, Batin uses small toys and action figures (primarily Star Wars figures) to portray miniature, but realistic scenes. I find his work to be very creative -- fun and playful too! Some images are more dramatic than others, but they are all clearly narratives.

I first found out about Zahir Batin's work in the following article:

http://elitedaily.com/envision/photographer-uses-star-wars-figurines-to-depict-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-stormtrooper-photos/?utm_source=FBTraffic&utm_medium=fijifrost&utm_campaign=CMfacebook

His work was also featured in an article on the Internet magazine, Bored Panda:

http://www.boredpanda.com/miniature-star-wars-figurine-photography-zahir-batin/

And finally, here you can check out a large collection of Batin's work which includes macro photography with insects, small animals, and action figures in addition to Star Wars:

http://500px.com/zahirbatin

"From the River's Edge" by Erin Petty

After a very stressful couple of days, my advanced digital photography semester project is finally finished and uploaded for your viewing pleasure! Check it out!

From the River's Edge (hardback) by Erin Petty | Make Your Own Book

Musical Artist: Albert Hammond - Down by the River (1975)

I was doing a little research for my book, and I came across this catchy little folk song from the 70's.
I think it has an important message we all should hear about our impact on nature.



Here are the lyrics (so you can sing along, of course):

City life was gettin' us down
So we spent the weekend out of town
Pitched the tent on the patch of ground
Down by the river

Lit a fire and drank some wine
You put your jeans on the top of mine
Said, come in the water's fine
Down by the river

Down by the river
Down by the river
Said, come in the water's fine
Down by the river

Didn't feel too good all night
So we took a walk in the morning light
Came across the strangest sight
Down by the river

Silver fish lay on its side
It was washed up by the early tide
I wonder how it died
Down by the river

Down by the river
Down by the river
Silver fish lay on its side
Down by the river

Doctor put us both to bed
He dosed us up and he shook his head
Only foolish people go, he said
Down by the river

Why do willows weep, said he
Because they're dying gradually
From the waste, from the factories
Down by the river

Down by the river
Down by the river
Why do willows weep, said he
Down by the river

In time, the river banks will die
The reeds will wilt and the ducks won't fly
There'll be a tear in the otter's eye
Down by the river

The banks will soon be black and dead
And where the otter raised his head
Will be a clean white stone instead
Down by the river

Down by the river
Down by the river
Will be a clean white stone instead
Down by the river