I had a great discussion with a student of mine last week about keeping photos simple but complete. If we shoot for our family, they will always appreciate those wide, sweeping photos that include everyone.
If you shoot for a readership that does not know your subjects, then another principle applies.
This principle is — always keep it simple, but tell the story — or as I like to say "crop until it hurts."

"A Christmas Carol" has been produced at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis for more than 35 years. This is their big show with all the bells and whistles, dancing, drama, and theatrics, of course. The story, written by Charles Dickens in 1843, describes London on the eve of Christmas. Carolers walk the streets. Women come to the door with requests to help the poor. The rich, like Scrooge, hoard their wealth. The poor are sent out into the streets with no one to help them and nowhere to go. Dickens brought to light the darkness of society.

“Millions of men have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit.” — Ansel Adams, American photographer and environmentalist (1902 - 1984)

There has been a movement to encourage people to shop locally this holiday season. I would like to take it one step further and encourage people to shop for local art and fine crafts for gifts this season. Sustaining local artists helps foster creativity.

Time for toe-tapping and wiggling in your seats. Attend a FREE traditional Bluegrass, Country and Gospel concert presented by Tim and Cindy Roggenkamp of the Pequot Lakes area. This husband and wife team present stories behind the music and different instruments (banjo, fiddle, dobro, mandolin and bass). The concert will be at the Brainerd Public Library on Tuesday, November 29 at 6:00pm.