Life, Art, Beauty, Plants & Craziness
It was a beautiful spring day (except for the winds), so I spent a little time checking on all the growing and goings on outside. PCH was outside as well, playing in the water. Give this kid a water hose and he is literally entertained for hours. He was busy arranging rocks and putting the hose on them making fountains. I, of course got the camera and captured the moment.
Watching my normally moody preteen jump with abandon really reminded me to appreciate how fortunate we have been in life. We have been blessed with freedom and the ability to express joy. I pray his world stays that way forever. In the mean time, we shall splash away, and cherish the good times.
It really has been a busy few weeks. I’m not even sure if I have managed to accomplish anything besides mismanaged multitasking. Och, well. Despite this, I am still trying to click away with the camera. I think my photography skills are improving, or should that be my photo SHOP skills?! Since amateur is the key word in my photographic title, it isn’t too much of a heartbreak if I can’t quite get that expert shot. Today’s photographs are ones that I find interesting, not necessarily because of the skill and quality, but because of the grit or contradiction they represent. Feel free to comment on the photos below and let me know how much of my BS you buy.
It is always fun to find two things that contradict each other and make them be together. It is like forcing the eye to accept differences. It is my belief that if the world had less contradictions it would be more tolerant. Artistically, this is my favorite concept. Therefore, put the things that don’t belong until they match.
This was taken through an old window, frosted with age, out at the Farm. It gives the photo a timeless quality. I like how the light plays off the faucet and dripping water. I get a sense of sadness or loneliness viewed from the outside.
I haven’ posted a picture of the day in a while, so I felt it was time to delve through the pics and deliver some photographic goodness. P was the judge and jury tonight and, little did he know, he chose the photo that HE actually took! I’d forgotten I had this pic. Normally, I would have erased ANY close-up pictures of myself, but for some odd reason I like it. Despite looking old and haggard, I think the composition is great. P has a wonderful eye and one of these days….next week sometime…I will post a :”P’s Pictures of Awsumness Blog”. So without further ado…..
The rest, the runners up, are my work. I especially love this shot of my niece. Everyone loves pictures of babies, right? This picture could have gone a little portraity on me, but looking from the perspective of her big O’ bald head just seems soft, and innocent. I was afraid the camera’s shutter click would wake her, and ruin my shot and my peace and quiet. I was absolutely right, and was lucky the first one was a good one.
I was, once again, playing around with some lighting effects. Shockingly, I had white tulips on hands (cuz they’re not one of my favorites or anything). So I thought, “How about absence of color, color?”. I think it turned out nice. I really am wanting to improve my macro shooting. So if anyone has any suggestions, hints, tips, anything….lemme know.
To me, photography isn’t necessary the image itself but the emotion each image creates. Sure, some of the images can be a little generic. I mean, how many gnarly trees can one see before it’s just a tree? Nope, trees are like people. Each are different. Each one reflects the mood in which he is surrounded. My trees were having a meet-up along an old fence. The fence kept noting in particular in or out, but these old men trees were keeping watch.
It has been a busy few days but that doesn’t stop the creativity. Once again, my favorite artist, BFS, stuns me with his ease and grace creating this work of beauty and marvel!
Mommy Jennifer and her gorgeous baby girl, Bailey, came by for a visit, and I snapped this when they were playing. This photo evokes such a deep love. The connection between these two is so breathtakingly obvious. You just cant beat this.
Being Loved
My other favorite shot of the day is of my curious niece Dakota. She is a tiny ball of energy and wonder, who has little fear and a lot of gumption. I am truly enjoying watching my niece grow and learn and can’t wait for her to give my brother hell! Go Codex! GO!
Being Vulnerable
Hmmmm… I wonder if I have an obsession with flowers. 🙂
I’m doing pretty good in not letting the camera pick my settings for me. No Auto for me! Therefore, lots and lots of practice is needed. So, today’s photo challenge was to play around with light sources. Practicing with light was a very important lesson. I experimented with natural light, flash, and some seriously powerful construction lamps. I was totally pleased with the results and had a serious problem picking the day’s winner.
Maybe it is just the subject matter, but today’s shots, in my opinion, turned out fantabulistikly, and I so felt the passion. I’m finding that the ol’ intuition is comming back as well……..maybe.
This is such a great picture and I can’t even claim it as my own. However, since it was shot using my camera, I’m posting it on my site. Way to capture Tasha’s loving adoration for you Simon! I just love her expression. This is definitely the clear winner.
Following the theme of nosy perspectives, I added a few runners-up from a set that I took today. I had a great time clicking away at my noisy, nosy cows, and I think they actually had a better time posing for the camera than I had taking the photographs! It seemed that the lower or higher I positioned myself, the more curious they became. Clearly to them, the camera was a magic food dispensing device. Never-the-less, I found their expressions absolutely hysterical, yet very majestic in their Cowishness. +10 for the Moo Cows!
Well, I’m trying to post a “Photo of the Day” but maybe I should change it to Photo’S’ of the Day. I just can’t seem to narrow it down to one favorite daily shot. I wanted a super-awesome new background to my blog . Therefore, today’s challenge was to get a good photograph of my birthday Orchid (mission accomplished!).
It was definitely a ‘favorite flower’ kind of day. My mother brought me my favorite daisies for the kitchen table, and I just had to shoot them! I especially love taking closeups of plants and flowers. Although, macro shots of plants are absolutely a joy to me, some may find the subject tiresome. If that is the case. then go peruse flickr for neato stop actions and some over-photo shopped goodies to satisfy your pretentiousness. Otherwise, enjoy my photos of the day and let me know what you like or don’t like (besides the subject matter). I need input people! Wenders talks to imaginary readers cuz she haz none 🙁 .
Here are a few more of my favorites of the day.
