by Barbara | Aug 12, 2015 | Celebrating Life, Creative Arts, Happiness of Pursuits Interviews, The Remarkable Files
Meet Fabian, a remarkable man who has turned his passion for astrophotography into a wonderful hobby that he shares with others all over the world. This is the story of how Fabian’s love of the starry skies developed into beautiful images of the world above us. Be inspired as you read Fabian’s story – wonders can be revealed when you pursue the passions that make you happy.
Tell us about your passion for astrophotography…. how did it all come about?
One of the most vivid memories I have from my childhood, when I was around 9 years old, is telling my father to accompany me to buy a telescope. That scope was a 2″ refractor mounted in a wooden tripod. It was then that I started to understand the mechanics of the skies: having a look at the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and the fascinating Saturn. During my teen ages, I learnt about the constellations and deep sky objects, being able to locate some of them from the highly polluted skies in Ramos Mejia, Argentina.
My interest in astronomy was so big that I was ready to start a serious Astronomy career at University, but, I changed my mind at the very last minute and decided to keep it as a hobby. In my mid-twenties, I joined the Asociacion Argentina Amigos de la Astronomia where I was able to improve my knowledge and to build up an 8″ reflector from head to toe. It was at that time, with a couple of astro friends, that we started an astrophotography adventure with reflex cameras and film !! Yes, we were still in the early ’90s.
I arrived in Perth, Australia in 2012, knowing that this city has 200+ clear nights per year. I decided this was the right place and the right time to start digital astrophotography.
What’s the philosophy behind it?
When I look up at the night sky my heart becomes paralyzed, I feel the immensity of Nature. I feel very small, insignificant and privileged at the same time because I am able to admire it.
I get transported to the vastness of the Universe and that makes me put in perspective my minor daily earthly problems
What’s your background?
I consider myself a bit of a hybrid person… I have an Accounting diploma from University but I have always worked as an Engineer. I guess this suits my passion for Astronomy very well – I barely remember how to put a balance sheet together.
How do you find the time to do it all?
I often asked myself that question. I need 36 hour days… I guess the secret is good planning and routines that work well.
One of my biggest steps in making time for astrophotography was the time invested in the knowledge of my equipment (telescope, camera, accessories and software). Now I am able to program the data acquisition sessions and leave the equipment working alone for hours while I spend time with my family.
Another advantage is that this activity can only be done at night when everyone else is asleep. You will often find me awake at 1 or 2 am. Many nights I don’t get much sleep.
You took a leap of faith… Did you ever wonder if you were doing the right thing?
I am always confident I am doing the right thing, everything in my life has arrived at the perfect moment. When I decided not to start an Astronomy career and go for Accounting, it was the right decision. When I decided to change jobs, it was the right decision. When I decided to commence digital astrophotography, it was also the right decision.
How did you make it happen?
It just happened. I have a lot of faith that the Universe will put in front of me the right things at the right moment.
The Journey
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
This is a very technical and complex activity. It requires knowledge and skills in Astronomy, Engineering, Photography, Computing and Meteorology, and on top of that some Artistic abilities are also welcome.
My biggest challenge was and still is the data processing. This step is done with the help of software like Photoshop, StarTools or Pixinsight. The learning curve here is very steep – every image is different and requires a variety of processing techniques, the artistic part also plays a big role at this stage.
Why is it important to be brave when you decide to do something like astrophotography?
The objects to be imaged are very faint, sometimes even for the special cameras I am using. I point my telescope, take an image and cannot see anything. I keep imaging with the ‘hope’ it will be there at the end. Most objects require several hours of exposure, mainly over one hour. My longest exposure time on the same object, so far, is 18 hours.
Then, while doing the processing I might encounter gradients from the Moon, street, my house or even my computer light. These gradients are very difficult to get rid of. I sometimes need to spend several computer hours to eliminate them.
All in all, you have to be really brave for this hobby. It will test your patience and perseverance without any instant reward.
What are the tough aspects of astrophotography?
I guess that you now can realize that the data processing, in order to get a nice final image, is the toughest part of it.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I love Astronomy, I love to be connected with the Universe and the night sky.
I have found that imaging the skies and being able to share it with others, gives me a sense of size. It allows me to be conscious of what our real place in the Universe and the majesty of Nature is.
What lessons have you learnt along the way?
As mentioned at the very beginning, I started at the age of 9 and almost 40 years later I am achieving my goals. I have learnt many things along the way, when put together, all contribute to where I am today.
But, again, the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that if I have the necessary courage and patience, then the results will certainly arrive. What discoveries have allowed you to realize your passion for astrophotography?
Most of the colors of the objects, especially the nebulas are not 100% defined. Hydrogen emission is mainly red, sulphur is mainly green and oxygen is mainly blue, but nothing forbids you from using a different palette… So, this is where your inside artist comes to the fore – I didn’t know I had one !!
Copyright Fabian Rodriguez
Who is your role model and why?
I do not have one, I think I have many. All of them are adding a grain of sand to my life. They are all special people because they are successful in being happy, pursuing and achieving their objectives.
How has pursuing astrophotography changed your life?
Well, I had never thought that I would be able to share my passion with so many people around the world. I publish my images on an Astrophotography dedicated website where many other astrophotographers can comment and help to improve the Imaging techniques. I exchange emails with many fellow Astrophotographers from different places and I have made many Astro friends.
I have also started my own website: www.fabianastro.weebly.com. (This was not even in my wildest, deepest dreams).
Wisdom for others:
What’s the secret of your success?
Perseverance, many hours under the skies and also in front of the computer.
What’s next for you? What does the future hold?
The future is a big unknown surprise, but for the time being, I would like to continue imaging the wonders of the Southern Hemisphere in order to share them with our friends above the Equator.
We are really privileged to be in Australia, I would say that more that 95% of the astro community resides in the Northern Hemisphere and they have no access to those objects. They are delighted to see what we can show them.What advice would you give anyone who dreams of pursuing their artistic passion and talents?
Firstly you need to know what you want and what makes you feel happy.
Secondly, just go for it with all your strength.
What advice would you give anyone who isn’t doing what they love?
The only way to feel complete and happy is to pursue what mobilizes you and what you love, so stop what you are doing and put yourself in motion !!!
What is the best advice you have received?
Be patient !!!
How do you think each of us can live the fullest life possible?
Pay a lot of attention to the ‘little voice’ inside you and do not hesitate in following it’s words.
A Bit of Fun:
Tell me 3 things about you that I would never expect just by looking at you:
- I used to write Formula One articles for a couple of Argentinian newspapers.
- My family says I am a good cook.
- I like Fancy Dress parties and I also like to dress up for them.
Favourite Quote:
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” Albert Einstein
Happiest places:
Anywhere under the stars.
Biggest passions in life:
Astronomy, Formula One, Cycling.
Most inspiring film you’ve seen:
Not a particular film but the series ‘Cosmos’ by Carl Sagan. 
Most inspiring book you’ve read:
‘Contact’ by Carl Sagan.
Best light-bulb moment:
Asking my wife to marry me. My wife and I met when we were 18, starting university – we were always close friends. When I was 26, I got married (not to her), she came to my wedding, and then 6 years later I divorced. By that time, she was preparing her wedding (not to me) and I was also invited. She then decided not to go ahead with it.
A year later we were having dinner, as old friends, and I suddenly asked her: “Why don’t we try now?”
We got married the following year and we have a wonderful family with three lovely kids.
Anything is possible… what’s your wish?
Wow, what a proposal !!! Remember the Star Trek TV series? Well, I wish I was able be to travel around the Universe and contemplate the wonders I try to image from close up and… perhaps to ‘talk’ to someone out there.
Philosophy you live by:
Nothing in life is to feared; it is only to be understood.
by Barbara | Aug 11, 2015 | Celebrating Life, Health
by Barbara | Jul 22, 2015 | Celebrating Life, Health
I was driving and saw a car number plate that still has me chuckling: A royal blue Mini Cooper with the number plate “Sassenach”. It’s Gaelic for English. Oh so clever and sassy!
Also, if you are a fan of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, it will make you chuckle even more!
What tickled your funny bone today?
by Barbara | Jul 22, 2015 | Celebrating Life, Health
Let’s start something new today. Let’s tickle our funny bones! Yes, it sounds weird but it’s actually a very clever pun on that tingling sensation you get when you bang your elbow. You know, that zinging feeling thats goes right through your ulnar nerve and humerus – pronounced humourous. (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink: your humerus!) Apparently that’s Latin for the long bone in your arm. So let’s get our humourous on! I’ve been told it’s good for your health. Sounds like a win to me.
Now that being said, I can’t say that I tickle my funny bone everyday, so I’m going to need a little help from you to keep this going. All I need is for you to share whatever tickled your funny bone on any given day.
Let’s create our very own funny bone ripple. Let’s share the laughter and health. This way we’ll get our funny bones tickled a lot more often. So go on share whatever tickled your funny bone today.
by Barbara | Jul 11, 2015 | Celebrating Life, Happiness of Pursuits Interviews, The Arts, The Remarkable Files
Tell us about your passion for music…… how did it all come about?
Well, when I was about three years old I asked my parents for a violin. I had actually never seen a violin and my parents, not being musical in the slightest, had no idea where I had got this idea from! According to my parents, the only time they think I may have had exposure to classical music was at the crèche I went to. So after much pestering on my end they bought me a plastic violin. I was disgusted! I knew it wasn’t the real deal and I was only about four years old. An uncle of mine had an old guitar and so he gave it to my parents to see if I liked it, but I was having none of it. I went to the kitchen, found a chopstick and thought ‘this would make a great bow’. I somehow lifted the guitar and propped it up on my shoulder, grabbed my ‘bow’ and began moving it across the strings. To my disappointment it didn’t make the prettiest sound…
Quite soon after that my parents thought they should enrol me in some music lessons, but they had no idea where to begin looking. They knew no one who had ever done classical music, so they opened the phonebook and eventually stumbled on a music school who just so happened to be having an open night for potential new students. Within a few weeks I was enrolled in one of the best music schools in Ireland, Leeson Park School of Music.
What’s your background?
I grew up in Lucan, which is a suburb on the outskirts of Dublin. I was very fortunate that the majority of my family lived there, including both sets of grandparents. I was an only child until I was eight years old and then my sister Isabelle was born, which made me quite upset because I didn’t have a brother! Just before she was born my dad jokingly said that if it was a girl that he and I would move up to the mountains and live in a tent. I didn’t think it was a joke…But when I met Izzy for the first time I changed my mind and was glad I had a sister.
I attended the local Irish speaking primary school, which I am thankful for. The Irish language ‘Gaeilge’ is a dying language with roughly 3-5% of the population that choose to speak it as their first language. My parents drove me to the city for private music classes 3 times a week for 13 years – unfortunately, the public music education system in Ireland is non-existent.
After finishing primary school I went to the Irish speaking Secondary School next door and was there for 4 years, until my life changed. We were moving to Australia! Within 6 months of finding out our visa had been approved, we were on a one way ticket to Perth.
How do you find the time to do it all? What’s your secret to ‘making time’ for everything?
This is by far one of the most challenging things as a musician. The key is to be organised and focused. You need to be realistic with your goals and you must make sacrifices in order to be able to make the time. A trap that many people, including myself fall into is the inability to say NO. It is never rude to say no! You must remember that you’ll never be able to please everyone. It is difficult to balance all aspects of life and it’s easy for someone to become a workaholic. What I find helps is if I dedicate 100% of my focus to a task in short bursts I will be more productive.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days right now…and for most of my life have consisted of a lot of time isolated in a room practicing my instrument. I usually try to fit in 3-4 hours of practise into a day, 7 days a week, which can come as a shock to non musical people.
This allocated time does not include rehearsals, so my typical day starts around 9am. I only ever do practise blocks of 45 minutes maximum, with 15 minute rest intervals in between. After 45 minutes the body begins to struggle. It is the stage where people begin to lose focus on the task at hand, start making sloppy mistakes, and are more prone to injury.
I am attending the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne at the moment and they really go to great lengths to educate us on our physical and mental wellbeing, because believe it or not most professional musicians suffer pain at some point in their careers.
I also try to get to the gym or go for a run at least 3 times a week.
You took a creative leap of faith choosing music as a career. Did you ever wonder if you were doing the right thing?
I don’t think anyone ever knows if they are doing the right thing. Music is a particularly difficult industry to have a sustainable career in, but it is not impossible. In a lot of aspects it is far more rewarding as a career due to the flexibility and creative freedom. At the same time it can be the scariest because there can be months with an empty calendar. I personally love this and have learned to find it exciting.
Eventually though I want to play in a professional orchestra here in Australia. Many people ask if I want to study in Europe, but my answer to that is that I think it is over rated. Many fellow students have a romanticised view of Europe, thinking they’ll go and come back as a changed person with a unique perspective on music. They soon find out that many things are the same as Australia, there are excellent musicians but there are also lazy ones who aren’t giving 100%.
How did you make it happen?
Hard work, great support from my family and friends, and excellent teachers.
What were the costs of choosing to follow your passion?
Almost 18 years of music lessons. Thankfully my parents always supported me and continue to.
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
When I first auditioned for WAAPA it was on violin and I was sure I would get in no problem. I soon found out that other people had received their offers and I hadn’t. It was then that I received a phone call from the head of strings saying he wanted to give me a lesson and have a chat, so we arranged a time the following week. It was probably one of the most intimidating experiences of my life, and after I played for him and another tutor they suggested I should try the viola … this is every violinist’s worst nightmare.
When someone says that you should transition to the viola it is simply a nice way of saying “you are not going to make it playing the violin.” At the time I found it quite difficult to accept that I would not make it as a violinist. It would have been easy to ignore this suggestion and simply go to a different university, after all, I had an offer from another university that would take me as a violinist!
So I thought long and hard about the options I had and I came to the conclusion to give the viola a shot. To my surprise I instantly fell in love with the instrument’s sonority, and felt it was just meant to be. I persisted and had soon built my confidence back up. Before I knew it I had a bachelor of music!
Why is it important to be brave when you decide to do something like create music? Can you give us some examples of when you’ve had to dig deep and be brave?
Everyone I have spoken to has at some point felt like they weren’t good enough to be performing music. What is important to remember is that the musicians are there to serve a purpose, and that is to honour the composer and the piece that they’ve written.
I went through an awful period of self consciousness and doubt whilst onstage. It gets no easier and the feeling never goes away, but it becomes manageable the more you perform. I constantly have to remind myself that the music is not about me and that if I have prepared well then there’s no need to worry. Obviously people are there to hear me play, but they want me to succeed because they are there to enjoy themselves, not to watch me fail!
What are the tough aspects of creating music?
Working with other people in an ensemble can be particularly tough. Each person has a different view on the piece, and also have different personalities and personal experiences that can influence their view of a piece. For me, a tough thing to accept is that your view is not always the one that others will like, and in an ensemble the majority wins, no matter how emotionally attached your view is.
Who is your role model and why?
I have many role models in all sorts of different fields. In terms of music, Jascha Heifetz is someone who I admire because of his technical excellence and control of the violin.
Steve Jobs, founder of Apple has made me feel like anything is possible if I put my mind to it. He was also one of the best presenters onstage and was able to get the best out of people and encouraged them to achieve what they thought was impossible.
UFC fighter Conor Mcgregor has an unshakable confidence and I love when he speaks about how the body moves and how to believe in yourself.
Finally, Richard Gill is an inspirational man and a person who is making a huge change in musical education in schools in Australia. Not only that, but he has a unique talent where he can remember everyone’s name in a room, even if he’s just met them for the first time.
What is the best advice you have received?
In your ongoing adventures with our beloved art which we spend a lifetime trying to reconcile with what can be a brutal profession, choose quality over quantity whenever possible when the two prove to be incompatible, as it is the former which gives the greater satisfaction to both artist and listener – William
Hennessey (violinist)
Why do you do what you do?
There are a few reasons. Music is fun and you get to interact with people, including fellow musicians but also the audience. I recently did a regional residency in a small town called Bermagui, NSW with my string quartet: Penny Quartet. It was such an amazing experience surrounded by inspirational people and beautiful scenery. We had the opportunity to do educational workshops at schools there and this helped me realise how important it is to inspire young kids.
What lessons have you learnt along the way?
Never to accept anything sub-par from yourself. Only you will know if you have given it your best shot.
What discoveries about yourself have allowed you to realise your passion for music?
I have realised over time that I can be quite impatient with myself. I just want things to happen there and then, particularly when it comes to fixing technical aspects of my playing. These things take time and won’t just happen over night.
What keeps you awake at night?
Not much. I usually get a good sleep.
What gets you up in the morning?
Guilt! I feel guilty if I am lazy. There always room to improve in my playing, so that usually gets me out of bed pretty quickly.
How has pursuing your art changed your life?
It has helped me to accept nothing but the best standard of playing in myself. I am very harsh on myself if I don’t perform to my optimum capability, or if I am badly prepared. I’ve also learned how to communicate with many different people and different personality types.
What’s next for you? What does the future hold?
Penny Quartet travelled to America in mid June to take part in a summer seminar run by the St. Lawrence String Quartet at Stanford University. We then have a few concerts in Brisbane, and later in the year we play at Quartethaus, as part of the Melbourne Festival.
In the future I hope to have a job in a professional orchestra.
What’s the secret of your success?
I firmly believe that you must dedicate your entire focus to one thing at a time.
What advice would you give anyone who dreams of pursuing their artistic passion and talents?
Do it! But be warned that sometimes people like the idea of pursuing the Arts, but are not dedicated enough to make it a career, or soon find out that it is not for them. If you are willing to work hard for it then DO IT.
What advice would you give anyone who isn’t doing what they love?
If you’re not able to do something you love as a career that is understandable, but make time to do it as a hobby. There is a great TED talk that the cellist Michael Goldschlager presented, explaining about the difference between interests and passions.
How do you think each of us can live the fullest life possible?
I think Steve Jobs summed it up pretty well:
A Bit of Fun:
People who inspire you: Eminem
Happiest place: On stage
Biggest passion in life: Music
Most inspiring film you’ve seen: Once
Most inspiring book you’ve read: Inner Game of MusicBest light-bulb moment: Don’t think I’ve had one yet!
Anything is possible… what’s your wish? That children are exposed to proper music education, even if they don’t pursue it. Sticking on a Lady Gaga song is not music education!(yes that actually has happened)
Philosophy you live by: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” Steve Jobs
Quote you live by:
Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
by Barbara | Jul 1, 2015 | Celebrating Life, The Remarkable Files
Photographer Vladimir Yakovlev has created a photo project that dispels all rumors about getting older. Age Of Happiness is a collection of 35 stories including portraits of people that continue to enjoy their favourite pursuits, despite being 60, 70, 80, or even 100-years-old. These seniors are challenging age stereotypes.
Vladimir describes “Age of Happiness” on Amazon as follows:
- To run a marathon on the North Pole at 70.
- To take up ballet at 79 and to dance professionally by 90.
- At 75, to enjoy surfing huge ocean waves — in winter, in ice-cold water.
- To become a financial broker at 77 and make millions.
- To celebrate your 80th birthday by skydiving 80 times in a row.
To become a professional, globe-trotting DJ – at 71.- To swim across the La Manche at 70.
- At 78, to zoom on your skateboard through city streets.
- To begin a successful career of a young actress in Hollywood, at 71
- To cross Atlantic solo at 73 and then to sail around the world on a mini-yacht you built yourself.
- To be the top sensation at New York Fashion Week at 80.
- To become a porn-star at 68, participate in more than 350 porno-films by 79, and to just keep going.
- At 83, to complete the Ironman triathlon, which includes a four-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer bike ride, and 42-kilometer run, all in a row with no breaks.
- At 100 to climb skyscrapers.
- At 102, to ride 50 kilometers a day
on your bike.
- At 103 to run the London marathon.
If today you are 30, 40 or 50, then living past 70 and into your late 80s and 90s is no longer just a possibility. It’s practically an inevitability. So at some point, you just ought to ask yourself: “How would I like to be when I am 70?”
Because you will be.
For some reason we still believe those who really mastered the secrets to longevity and youthfulness can only be found in hermit caves or monasteries somewhere high in the mountains or deep in exotic forests. This isn’t true.Such people live among us: in the neighboring house, one street over, in cities that we frequent. We just don’t know about them, and because of that, lose an incredible opportunity to learn from them a way of life that just yesterday seemed like absolute fantasy.
Such people live among us: in the neighboring house, one street over, in cities that we frequent. We just don’t know about them, and because of that, lose an incredible opportunity to learn from them a way of life that just yesterday seemed like absolute fantasy.
I spent the last four years traveling in search of such people; people who refused to age “appropriately” and instead, continued to live – joyfully and brightly, often with more exuberance than they had in their youth. What I saw and learned completely changed my life and ideas about what humans are now capable of during what was formerly known as “old age.”
I am a writer, not a scientist. I don’t have a scientific explanation for the enormous age-related social changes that are taking place around the world right now. What are they caused by? Some sort of civilization’s genetic code? A historically unprecedented improvement in quality of life and health care?
I doubt anyone can really answer these question. But, the fact that such radical changes are happening is hard for anyone to deny. This book contains real stories of real people. Read them and your perception of life after 70 will never be the same. by Vladimir Yakovlev
Why is it that one person runs marathons at 61, while another person of the same age can’t run down the block? Perhaps the secret to aging well is to ignore those age-based stereotypes and keep doing things that make you happy and keep you young at heart! What’s your plan for getting older? What are your pursuits of happiness?
Meet Fabian, a remarkable man who has turned his passion for astrophotography into a wonderful hobby that he shares with others all over the world. This is the story of how Fabian’s love of the starry skies developed into beautiful images of the world above us. Be inspired as you read Fabian’s story – wonders can be revealed when you pursue the passions that make you happy.