The Wandering Photographer

History Blogs: My Favorites

Monday I listed the Detroit area blogs that I especially like.  Today I will present blogs related to history and historical research.

If you have looked at my bio you know that I am returning to Wayne State University this fall to complete an MA in history.  It follows, of course, that I would read a number of history blogs on a regular basis.  Here are a few I enjoy

The American Historical Association publishes a blog called AHA Today.  The AHA is a national organization of historians and the blog keeps the membership up to date on the latest in resources and policies affecting historical research and teaching.  Recent titles include, “The Teachers Page – From the Library of Congress” and “Grant of the Week: Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program.”  This blog will interest those that would like to follow the latest trends in historical research and pedagogy. 
Read about the AHA at AHA Today

Seeking Michigan Look is a place to go to learn about the Michigan’s past.  Sponsored by the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan, Michigan Look has general interest articles about our state’s past and present.  This site is well worth some exploration by anyone with even a passing interest in Michigan History.  The articles are aimed at the general public but the blog does not “talk down” to its audience.
Seek Michigan at Seeking Michigan -- Look

Dr. Suzanne Fischer writes the Public Historian, a blog that brings us the latest information about museums, public history and the dissemination of historical information.  Most of us think of historians as teachers and professors.  Museums are changing and Dr. Fischer keeps us up to date with the latest advances in presentation technology.  If you love museums this blog is well worth a look. 
Explore what’s up with museums at Public Historian

Sandusky History is presented by the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center.  This is what a local history blog should be.  Interesting stories about events and people Sandusky, Ohio’s past are presented in a readable and entertaining way.  If you are interested in Northern Ohio or just want to see what is possible in a local history blog, this is the place to go.
Learn about the history of Sandusky at Sandusky History

I hope you’ll enjoy the blogs I’ve noted and I would love to know what blogs you especially like. See you on Photo Friday.

© Tim Marks 2009 all right reserved

Favorite Metro Detroit Blogs

Last week I wrote about some of my favorite photography related blogs, I hope the list was helpful to everyone.  Photography is not my only interest, so, this week, I thought I would note some of the blogs I regularly read that are not photo related (though they often include some very nice images). 

Today I’ll talk about blogs from some great writers from metro Detroit.

I enjoy cooking but I am not terribly creative at the stove so I need ideas and recipes.  One great source is The Cultured Cook.  Lisa concentrates on healthy and affordable meals with an emphasis on taste and flair.  She presents recipes, book reviews and articles about any food related theme.  This is a great place to get a recipe or just read about the importance of natural and locally grown foods.  Go here to get ideas for your next meal.

Get Lisa’s advice at The Cultured Cook

What to do, where to go.  A great place for suggestions is the Urbane Life Blog.  Started as an attempt to create an on-line community for a group of apartment building, the blog has become a source for information and entertainment for a wider community.  Written by a group of talented and diverse contributors Urbane Life covers events, restaurants, life in the D and occasionally, political issues. 

Find out what to do at Urbane Life Blog

Do you travel in the Midwest?  If so, Midwest Guest is a must read.  Dominique writes about places to go, things to do and music to hear.  Whether it’s Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio or other points in the Midwest, this is the place to check it out.  Here you can get great ideas for B&Bs, hiking trails, lighthouses and music festivals.  Before taking a trip to the Midwest be sure to check out Midwest Guest. 

Get Dominique’s insight at Midwest Guest

Last but not least is  Detroit Moxie, a blog about Detroit written with such love and enthusiasm that you will want to come back time after time.  Becks grew up in metro Detroit and has recently returned after a stint living in England.  Becks writes about events and places but the best articles are about her deep love of Detroit and its people.  She presents the metro area as vibrant, exciting and cool.  All of us who live here thank Becks for reminding us how great this town is.

Read Becks’ thoughts on the D at  Detroit Moxie

Ok that’s it for today.  Wednesday I’ll write about my favorite history relates blogs.  See ya then!

© Tim Marks all rights reserved

Photographic Inspiration and Education: Some of my Favorite Photo Blogs

Today I thought I would list a few of the photographic blogs that I return to week after week.  These are blogs that I use for inspiration, information and enjoyment.   

David duChemin’s Pixelated Image blog is one of my favorites.  David is, in his words, a “freelance humanitarian photographer.”  David is also the author of one of the year’s best photo books Within the Frame.  My advice, if you read no other book this year, read this one.

David’s blog is at Pixelated Image

Bob Krist is a well-known and popular travel photographer who contributes to National Geographic Traveler, Outdoor Photography and many others.  Bob’s latest book is the very fine and interesting Travel Photography: Documenting the Worlds People and Places.  Bob is starting to work with multi-media and is including examples in his blog.

Bob’s blog can be found at Photo Traveler

Attorney Carolyn E. Wright presents the “Photo Attorney” blog.  The “Photo Attorney” blog discusses legal issues that affect photographers and the business of photography.  Freedom to photograph and copyright issues are regular fodder for Carolyn’s blog.  Carolyn is also the author of the Photographer’s legal Guide, a must own for photographers.

Read Carolyn at Photo Attorney

The prolific author and Photoshop expert Scott Kelby writes the “Photoshop Insider” blog.  This is a combination of Photoshop and Lightroom tips and stories of some of Scott’s experiences while on shoots.  Scott is the author of many books and is the president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. 

Scott’s blog is at Photoshop Insider

Scott, along with Matt Kloskowski, also produces Nikon related how-to videos at D Town TV

Hey these are just a few of my favorite photo blogs.  Feel free to list some of your own favorites.  Next week I’ll list a few of my favorite non-photography related blogs and websites.  Be sure to head back here on Friday for another interesting “Photo Friday” post. 

The image at the top of the post is Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills State Park.  The park is located in south-central Ohio and is a photographer's dream come true.

© Tim Marks 2009 all rights reserved