Retired doctor publishes book of nature photos
Oct. 20—GREENSBURG — Retired Batesville physician Dr. Steve Glaser has compiled a photobook of southern Indiana scenes and is donating proceeds from its sale to cancer research.
The 132-page coffee table book, titled "Everyday Miracles of Southern Indiana," includes 216 photos of southern Indiana with text and captions and is intended to demonstrate what amazing natural beauty can be found in southern Indiana.
The photos featured in the book were taken throughout southern Indiana, but mostly in Franklin, Ripley and Decatur counties. They depict broad landscapes, close-ups of small things, and telephoto views of birds and distant subjects.
"I'm inspired by the amazing sights around me and to try to capture them with my camera," Dr. Glaser said. "Interesting colors and shapes and especially lighting force me to try to photograph them. Probably the main motivation for me to take photos is the need to share what I see, and hopefully the feeling associated with seeing it."
Dr. Glaser said he is a self-taught photographer who has done some reading on the subject and quizzed other photographers to learn new things.
He has had photos published in the books "Project 229" and "Indiana at 200." He also has a number of photos hanging on the walls of Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, office buildings, and a number on the walls of other Indiana hospitals and the federal court building.
"Capturing high quality images depends on a lot of factors," he said. "Motion blur needs to be avoided by using a high enough shutter speed or even using a tripod in low light. Taking multiple photos of the same thing is more likely to yield a nice result. Composing well by avoiding foreground and background distractions is important. Keeping your camera with you allows you to be ready for unexpected photo opportunities. Good quality equipment is helpful, but excellent photos can be taken with a cell phone."
"Everyday Miracles of Southern Indiana" can be found at Picker's Paradise in Greensburg. It's also available at several locations in Batesville and Oldenburg including George's Pharmacy, Gillman Home Center, the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Concepts, the Old Schubox, Bird in a Tree, the Bookshelf, It's a Beautiful World and Carriage House Antiques. It may also soon be available at The Branch and the Visit Greensburg office in Decatur County, though those locations had not been confirmed at the time of this writing.
In addition to the businesses previously mentioned, the book can be purchased online at phibetapsi-xi.org using a credit card.
Sale of the books serves as a fundraiser for Phi Beta Psi's cancer research program; the businesses carrying the book are turning over the entire payment of $30 to Phi Beta Psi.
Phi Beta Psi is known for its devotion to cancer research, and as a national organization it has raised more than $11 million over the years for this cause. Dr. Glaser said it is through the hard work and compassion of sorority members that this book can have an impact on the fight against cancer.
A book launch event for "Everyday Miracles of Southern Indiana" will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Batesville Memorial Public Library. Dr. Glaser will gladly sign books sold upon request.
Kevin Green: kevin.green@greensburgdailynews.com or 812-651-0885.
