June 2008 Archives

York Daily Record managing editor Jim McClure has said that there's not a road in York County that his photographers haven't driven. Maybe that's true. Paul Kuehnel and I have worked in York County for a long time, and sometimes the best way to find interesting photos is to drive through the county, watching for pictures. Reporters can find much of the information necessary for a story from behind a desk. For now at least, photographers and videographers still have to be in the field.

Sometimes, the most interesting photographs aren't connected to a big, headline grabbing story. Like this picture. Kathryn Heilman was just sitting in front of her grandparents' home in Manchester, trying to sell her old bikes and trikes and make a buck or two.

OK, it's not going to win the Pulitzer Prize. But it reminds us that we once probably did the same thing, or at least something similar when we were nine years old. And we're reminded that just sitting in front of the house, watching traffic buzz past with no worries about mortgages, gas prices or the stock market might not be all bad. And how can you not love that sweet, innocent face?

And isn't that better than looking at yet another fire, car crash or murderer's mugshot?

While in Loganville shooting another assignment, I wandered onto this scene. Now, one would think that shooting photos all day for eons would get old. But it's always another challenge, getting the best possible picture out of a particular situation.

It is frustrating, however, seeing a pastoral scene that begs for a terrific photo and I can't quite capture it. My eye sees it better than the camera.

Does this happen to you?

While tooling through central Pennsylvania over the weekend, I heard over the radio and air conditioning what I thought was a squeeky, roaring sound from under the hood. What else could it be?

Took a weekend jaunt to the Tyler Arboretum, a place I've never visited, or known, before Sunday. In Media, Pa., just outside Philly, it is overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Longwood Gardens, Winterthur and others.

More than 600 acres, this wonderful collection of greenery is now featuring Totally Terrific Treehouses through September. Don't go with the idea of seeing 12 treehouses perched in trees, there are none. It is what the PR director calls a 'fanciful collection' of treehouses, most on the ground, some not even touching a tree.

Still, it's a great way to the get the kids outside and away from the computer screen. Even if they don't like treehouses, it boasts 20 miles of hiking trails and plenty of things to keep the family happy.

More on Tyler Arboretum in the YDR later in the summer as an Excursion.