Ropeside Photography

"A woman is like a book of poetry. No matter how exquisite the cover, its value lies in the thoughts and sentiments contained inside. A man who confines himself to looking at the cover, or just feeling the pages, denies himself the greatest riches of all times: those that satisfy his mind, heart, and soul." -Helena Schrader.

"What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters." -Charles Baudelaire. Heidelberg, Germany. There are some photo which I take that simply don't need to be edited. I love simply beauty, a moment locked in time, there best when one can't identify the century, but this one is just perfect.  For more follow me on Instagram: @among_honest_thieves

\ "You may readily judge whether you are a child of God or a hypocrite by seeing in what direction your soul turns in seasons of severe trial. The hypocrite flies to the world and finds a sort of comfort there. But the child of God runs to his Father and expects consolation only from the Lord's hand." - Charles Spurgeon (Heidelberg, Germany)

I am all for travel, provided stay away from most tourist hot spots. A rule of thumb I have lived by for many years. Now does't get me wrong, I have seen Rome, lived in London, traveled to Berlin, but it's just not the same as the smaller towns, cities, and villages. I have found more memorable times in these small places than in any big city, adventures in the Middle East in places I have never heard of or would know how to spell.  However I was thoroughly pleased with the sites and sound of the beautiful city of Verona. A lovely place were the small town feel of true Italy is mixed with the beautiful sites and amazing restaurants of the tourist infested city of Rome.  A picture is worth a thousand words they say, I hope these ones speak.  For more follow me on Instagram @among_honest_thieves. 

If old forgotten ruins could speak they would say: "Quod Fuimus, Estis; Quod Sumus, Vos Eritis." "What we were, you are; what we are, you will be." -Whitby, England. 

Croatian boy in Zadar. I wonder what he's catching. Follow me on Instagram @among_honest_thieves.

The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes. Simply beauties that others claim to be complex, because they fail to to see it's simplicity. 

"Love is a commitment that will be tested in the most vulnerable areas of spirituality, a commitment that will force you to make some very difficult choices. It is a commitment that demands that you deal with your lust, your greed, your pride, your power, your desire to control, your temper, your patience, and every area of temptation that the Bible clearly talks about. It demands the quality of commitment that Jesus demonstrates in His relationship to us." -Ravi Zacharias.

After a beautiful day on Balboa Island, California, it came abundantly clear that if one wishes to live here, one most have a boat.  Preferably some kind of yacht, or a luxurious finish boat. It doesn't need to be big, just bigger than the neighbors. Make sure that the Jones are keeping up with you. ;) And apart from it being a beautiful money pit, you can occasionally take it out on the water.  However I know if I was to live out here by the water this little beater would be the boat I own. #foreverpoor  For more follow me on Instagram: @Among_honest_thieves

Yesterday was an amazing sunning day, a perfect day to visit a Californian beach of Balboa Island. Now apart from the obviously stunning water and the boats glide across it, I love two things about the beaches. First the dogs, there are more adorable dogs trotting along the beaches of California then any place else I know. And second the houses, Balboa Island has these super cute little homes in walking distance of the beach. There is nothing like walking down the streets just admiring the beach and homes.  For more follow me on Instagram at @among_honest_thieves 

The legend of black cats have been told over the centuries from ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages. This goddess is often represented as a cat, and indeed, many ancient Egyptians believed that domesticated cats represented this goddess of fertility and protection. Therefore cats in ancient Egypt had privileges that other household pets did not... including the freedom to come and go at will. There were other deities in ancient Egypt that had a feline form... however they were generally depicted as having the head of a female lion (Sekhmet, the goddess of war, is an example of one). It is believed by many that the city of Bubastis especially put great significance on cats as a whole. This is evidenced by the many statues and representations of cats among the ruins of this city, as well as the ruins of a temple built in Bastet's honor. Many Egyptian tombs have mummified cats buried along with the people there... showing their significance as protectors. Women would pray to th...

Have you ever been walking down a cobblestone road and then suddenly you stop, peer through the split in the road and see a 14 century cathedral?  The small Czech Republic town of Kutna Hora has a breathtaking sense of History, almost as if time is standing still. One could, if one had focus. However, as the years of old, these structure stand with an ever so powerful and vivid beauty that demands more from you.  As I explored the town there was strange feeling that came upon me, a feeling I have felt before. This town has secrets. More than history and ghost of the past, more than forgotten dream and horrors of humanity.  I encourage anyone with a sense of adventure to place Kutna Hora on your exploration list. There is more to see than I could possibly explain to you here.  Trust me. IG: @among_honest_thieves

There is nothing I love more than the struggle of climbing a mountain and the victory at the top. You see, you can't have a victory without struggle. Nothing worth wild is easy, and nothing easy is worth wild. (Austrian Alps) Instagram: @among_honest_thieves 

Frozen German forest. Is more than it seems.

If you don't know it by now I love history, and with that love history it stands to reason that I would also love to collect historical pieces.  Through the years I have collected everything from Nazi uniforms to artifact from of ancient Rome. Anything from danger to books have a place in my collection and over the years I have learned just where to acquire the item. But I most say among the shops of old town Amman, there I found some amazing pieces. Everyone unique it's a special way, from the man who carried it to the material it was made from, all at a good price.  Yes, the dusty dirty shops of the Middle East are a hunters paradise. And the owners are always willing to negotiate.  Happy Hunting.   (Silver daggers) For more follow me on Instagram: @among_honest_thieves 

What I love about Gemany is there is always a perfect picture just around every corner. The colors just seem to pop out in every shot, and there is always an amazing white balance to make sure the colors are correct. Not to mention the history behind every building and if that's not enough there's great food on every street.  Enjoy this picture from the streets of Nurnberg. Follow me on instagram @among_honest_thieves

Photography is almost like an external memory. Capturing a moment forever. 

I think the hardest part about being a photographer, is not being about to capture the stunning beauty that life presences with. Still, no harm in trying.  Instagram:  @among_honest_thieves.

High in the Austrian alps there is a peaceful calm that comes upon you when you take a break from the rigorous climb to enjoy the view. I can't think of a better place to escape the world, especially on Valentines. :D 

Desert Photo Shoot! If you are near Victorville and would like a photoshoot contact me. I am looking for more experience in shooting couples and singles and I will cut you an amazing deal.   No matter what you would like some photos of I can do it. Whether it's off road vehicles or sport shooting with rifles, any desert fun can be concreted in memory with a photo.  I do pets as well. Here is Gunter, might desert dog.  For more follow me here and on Instagram: @among_honest_thieves

  My travels to North Iraq was special time for me. I've persuade the Spirit of Adventure ever since my youth, never shying away from my fears but always looking for something new to scare me. My first trip to the Middle East took place at the hight of the Syria civil war and I was not ready for what happened, my experience had left me emotionally and physically scarred. I had developed a mild case of PTSD, my mind was consumed with what I witnessed. I could not sleep at night, I did not want to eat. My heart was filled with a hatred like I have never experienced before. Naturally this was not healthy. However the love of Jesus Christ knows no limits and His ability to heal the broken hearted is proof of His love. I began praying and asking for His help, asking God to remove the hatred I was feeling. I do not wish to tell you what I witnessed but it was not the attempted abductions I mentioned in previous post, however I want you to know I never wished to travel to the Middl...

Are you thinking about a travel destinations, but just can't seem to make up your mind? Are you looking for a historical adventure, yet still want the close comfort of local restaurants? Ireland has some of the most amazing landscapes and castle ruins I have ever seen in my life, perfect for any photographer. (Oh Crap! This is starting to sound like a bad infomercial. Let me just get to it.) One of my favorite activities ever since I was young has always been exploring old castles ruins....and climbing them! And Ireland has dozens and dozens of old castles scattered around the rural country side. The castle shown here had four stories and a basement, the first two stories were accessible by stairs. However the third story was completely destroyed, leaving no path to reach the still in tacked fourth story. Now I am an experienced climber so going up was easy, and I was rewarded with a stunning view of the ocean on one side and a sheep pasture on the other. Though cli...

"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny." -Paulo Coelho.

Some men search their whole life to find that fairy tale they're looking for, others think it will come to them. Fairy Tales don't travel well, and if you're not willing to use your in search for one you may never find it. In a small town out side of Heidelberg, Germany, I awoke early in the morning. The cool November air glistened my lips. A good cup of coffee would have been welcomed, though if I had waited for it to brew I would have missed this solemn empty streets. I took my time to explore, and it was not long before I came across this view. As if it was cut straight from a Grimm's fairy tale book, this small town was inviting me to witness its story. And as the sun began to rise and could start to see, as if I was transported through time, I could see a horse drawn carriage full of fire wood for the baker. The cobbler had just put out a new sign, made by his wife and young loving daughters listing his price for shoe repair. I saw a carpenter's ass...

Of all the countries I've travel in my years none have captivated my heart like Ireland. Now let me make one thing perfectly clear, I do not consider any large city within Ireland to be truly Irish. And in the case of Dublin never has this been so true, for I have known little hospitality or comfort within the city limits. Roddy Doyle said “It's a big con job. We have sold the myth of Dublin as a sexy place incredibly well; because it is a dreary little dump most of the time.” I don't wish to slander Dublin or the larger cities around her in this post, however I most say I am doing a fine job of it so far, I am merely setting up a comparison. For real Irish living can only be experienced in the country. Here along the coastline of the Ring of Kerry lies the ever unchanging beauty of Ireland. And I should know for I have been visiting this wondrous place of sirenic beauty ever since I was young, and it has not changed a day since then. Whatever year you come to see thi...

No matter where I was in the world, whether I was studying in York, England or flying to Iraq, I always know where I would be for Christmas. In the old streets of Rothenburg Christmas comes alive with an unforgettable market. The streets which once held medieval men-at-arms now hold hundreds of smiling friends that are filled with the spirit of Christmas.  I know speaking of Christmas may feel out of place so early in February, but when I saw this picture on my desktop I know I wanted to share it. The experience Rothenburg has to offer is truly one of a kind. For every year on the month of December, and only on the month of December, Rothenburg begins to sell their famous half meter long bratwurst. Each town has their own version of this delicious sausage, but Rothenburg does it the best. To wash it down I would pick up a hot cup of Glühwein. To which if you don't know is mulled wine, and it helps fight off the cold that can reach temperatures below freezing.  However t...

Sammia Amman, Jordan. 2015 Jordan has a way of keeping you at the edge of your seat, whether it be something comical that you might see on a late night sitcom show. For example when I visited police station to extend our visa, I stood in line waiting my turn in a building that resemble more a concrete box than a police station. As I waited I took a look around, the almost sad iron bars that held the prisoners did so with only a store buy padlock. Cops walked the around station with guns shoved in their belts instead of safely place in a required holster, but the thing that actually made the whole experience delightful to me was when someone, and I like to assume it was the chief of police, got the idea in his head that now, in the mists of the hot and sweating bureaucracy that was taking place in the concrete box, decided now was the perfect time to practice his trombone. Screaming through the halls of the station come this unrehearsed and out of tune trombone music tha...

Find me in the desert, stands the Joshua tree. Life's  strange turns has kept me guessing through my years, every time I think I have it  figure out God throws a curve ball; usually in the form of me moving to another country. For many years I believed myself to end up somewhere in Asia, but I never forgot where I came from, for fifteen years I have watched America from strange shores, but now I have finally returned to the country I was born in. I know one day I will live in Asia, but as for now I find myself here in Southern California.  It's often a challenge to carve out a new life in another country, and after fifteen years America has become like a stranger to me. Though like this lone Joshua tree life prevails  I am reminded of the words of Robert Frost, he said: "In three works I can sum of everything I know about life: it goes on."  Life  goes on, even here in the Deserts of America. But is surviving and...

It's curious. Life has its ups and downs, its stormy weather and the smooth sailing we all hope for. But only my experiencing the valleys and you truly appreciate the mountain tops. The world has a way of making our problems seem so big, so urgent, but in the end when time has past we better off for the challenges we've faced. If we remember them at all.  I like  what  Paulo Coelho said, he said "When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny." Be sure to follow me on Instagram: @among_honest_thieves 

My name is Austin Prescott Barrow. I was b orn in America, but I grew up in Eastern Europe. I am a believer in Christ. I was employed by the U.S D epartment of Defense during some of my life ; at heart I am an adventurer, explorer, writer, historian, and treasure hunter . In my short years I have traveled and lived in many nations across the world, from America to the Middle East, my language skills are limited, but I have never found it too difficult to make new friends , whether in their language or in my. I have been an active photographer for more than fifteen years now, during which I was forced into a two year break when I accidentally drop my camera into a Wadi's river while on a two day rough march. (Not my best hat trick)  Durning travels I have experienced many strange things and have come face to face with curious perils, many of which have demanded my life. Among other dangerous encounters I have escaped two separated kidnappin...