"Dancing on the Kenai" A Common Loon stretches his wings in the early morning air as I drifted by in a boat along the Kenai River in Alaska. Loons are normally rather timid. Given they are diving birds, as you approach in a boat, they dive under and then surface elsewhere. In this rare case, the loon preened and "hung out" fairly close to the boat, giving me beautiful moments to photograph. Even better, it called out from time to time, with the haunting yodel that only loons can do. ©2012 Langell Photography, LLC.
"Yukon Charlie II" In Homer, Alaska, there are many "characters" around town. Few could possibly be as fascinating, eclectic, storied, and jovial as Yukon Charlie. I met Yukon Charlie while walking behind the Nature Center in Homer, Alaska in June 2013, by happenstance. My cousin, Kay, and I spoke to him when he inquired about my "long lens." He fascinated me--from his looks, to his wildly fashioned dwelling, made of everything recycled possible---and to his artistic side, where he fashioned lamps and art from burned musical instruments, carved wood signs, and did whatever else he could do to make a living. Yukon Charlie defines himself as a "Heyoka Brujo," which translates from Lakota (Native American) as a sacred wise fool and witch. He describes himself as a Lakota shaman who has performed marriages and sacred ceremonies for friends and strangers alike. I was fascinated by Yukon Charlie's stories, energy, contageous smile, quirky wit, and the fact that he was thorougly enjoying the attention of my cousin and I as we admired his crafts and dwelling. One of the funniest moments was when we came upon Charlie's outdoor commode. As Charlie does not have running water or electricity, he simply has a commode with a sign atop it that says, "Please piss here." I'm not sure what was more hilarious---the language--or the fact it was stating the obvious, but it gave me a chuckle every time I glanced at it! I didn't want to offend Charlie by photographing it, though in hindsight, I wish I had done so... I get the impression that Charlie has lived a thousand lives... at least he has stories that made me believe so. I only spoke with Charlie for about 45 minutes, but it was a fond memory of my trip to Alaska. I find the randomness of strangers fascinating--especially the characters of far-flung towns, and Yukon Charlie is definitely no exception. He made for a brilliant conversation and a highlight of my visit to Homer.
"Strings of Fire" An electric guitar is resurrected from a fire in Homer, Alaska and will be turned into a piec of 3-dimensional art by local artisan, Yukon Charlie.
