Nature Under Glass

A continuation of my images from our ice storm.  Some see damage, destruction, and problems; artists see opportunity.

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Chill Out, Man! Summer WILL Get Here…

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A different perspective on the activities of summer.  It may be a little while before the outdoor fun and games begin.

A Quick Update

Very briefly, I want to share with friends and family that our area has been hit with a severe ice storm; a storm that has crippled our area, state, and region.

Personally we were without power for approximately three days, but currently have the power restored.  Our phone lines have been down as have internet connections.  At this time I am “borrowing” my neighbor’s wireless interent to share this quick update.  I don’t know how long this opportunity to “borrow” internet will continue to be available….  (My neighbor doesn’t mind; just not sure how reliable ANY of our connections are!)

I simply must say that my husband and I have been very fortunate.  We were inconvenienced throughout this storm, but never in any real danger.  Others in our community and state have not been so fortunate.

I will get back in the swing of blogging as quickly as I can.  I have missed my blogging friends and look forward to re-connecting soon!

The Monument

“The erection of a monument is superfluous; our memory will endure if our lives have deserved it.”  ~unknown

Or, Do You Pick Door Number Two?

The Door

“You see things; and you say ‘Why?’  But I dream things that never were; and say ‘Why not?’”  ~ George Bernard Shaw

Image processed in Lightroom using typical processing and “Brightly Bold” preset; no additional manipulation.

Poetry

Click to view large.

The Course of Love

“The course of true love never did run smooth.”  ~William Shakespeare

Note:  A compilation of three personal images.  And, oops.  Gotta get my watermark figured out!

Shooting Wide

I picked up my new lens this afternoon and just had to take it for a quick “test drive.”  The Canon 10-22 mm wide angle zoom is going to take getting used to since I have never shot with a wide angle before.

My reason for selecting and purchasing this particular lens is that a wide angle lens is highly recommended for my upcoming photography workshop.  After visiting Ken Rockwell’s site, I thought I was ready for this lens, but I quickly learned I have a WHOLE lot to learn.  It’s a good thing I’m taking steps to get used to the lens now.  It’s going to take a while!

It was NOT a particularly good day for photography and I only spent about 30 – 45 minutes taking “snap shots.”  I will, however, go ahead and share a couple of shots from my trial run.  I’m not sure if it was the day or the lens, but everything seemed a little underexposed today.  Time will tell…..

Ft. Massac State Park; Metropolis, IL

The “I 24 Bridge” — the link between Metropolis, IL and Paducah, KY.

Sh! It’s a Secret!

I’ll whisper it to you if you’ll get in real close.

I discovered a new trick yesterday.  Well, new to me anyway.  Photos of scrapbooking paper can be made into textures for layers.

My discovery started at the local craft store.  I noticed the wonderful papers that were marked “7 for $1.00.”  It was worth a try, I thought.  I had blown a dollar before hadn’t I?

So I quickly selected seven papers and paid my $1.04.

Here are the ones I selected:

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When I got home I made an improvised studio set up that consisted of a clothes drying rack placed in front of a large window.  One at a time the papers were clipped to the rack with clothes pins.  I took a photo of each paper; applied a Lightroom preset; and voila….my own texture creations.  I can go back and change the texture as I want simply by going back to the original and making any desired adjustments  in Lightroom or Photoshop.

They work! Here’s  a quick sample –

Now I don’t have to go around saying “Texture credit ___________”

The sky is the limit.  I have my eye on some other papers and plan to go back to the store — now that I know this will work.

Seven for a dollar.  Not bad for some quick and easy textures!  And…..a way to fight the winter time blues.