Mike Johnston, of The Online Photographer, has a 4 part series going on the site now about the finer points of 50mm camera lenses and the difference between a $20 and $2,000 lens is, well, essentially unnoticeable when viewing photographs. As a gear-head who has an affiliation with 50mm lenses, Johnston's comments are appreciated and well delivered. The 50mm lens is my favorite lens. I like its natural perspective, and when coupled with fast film, I almost never need a flash.

Being the gear head I am, I own four 50mm lenses, and every once and a while think about getting a new one. This is of course foolish and Johnston's articles both illuminates my folly and provides a new 50mm for gear-head attention.

In the spirit of things, you see two of my favorite photos taken with a 50.

Posted by Ryan Torma at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanks Gena for sending me the link to this great show on Speaking of Faith, A Return to Mystery, Religion, Fantasy & Entertainment. The show is a conversation Phillis Tickle and Lynn Schofield Clark about the religious themes appearing in contemporary films and television such as The Matrix, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, & Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Both Tickle and Schofield Clark are fantastic thinkers in this area and have great things to say on the program. Schofield Clark's book "From Angels, To Aliens" opened up a new world for me in how people use media in religious ways. Enjoy.

Posted by Ryan Torma at 09:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Starting this Sunday, I'll be hosting a new discussion group with Spirit Garage, SciFi & Spirituality. We will be looking at the issues of faith, morality, & identity presented in season 1 of the new Battlestar Galactica series. I'm really excited and have been wanting to try something like this for quite a while. Feel free to join us if you're in the area. Dates and details on the SG calendar.

Posted by Ryan Torma at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Going through an old family photo album I found a couple of photographs I think are absolutely beautiful. They were likely take by my great aunt around 1920. It is amazing how well the photos have held up.

This is likely Jay Cooke State Park.

Swimming Pool.

Posted by Ryan Torma at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)