Mother Nature’s Christmas Ornament

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always realize how totally awesome a shot is going to be when I shoot it. That’s what happened with today’s “featured” image.

Every once in a while I carry my camera with me on my morning walks. On this particular morning, it was soooooo hot that I wasn’t sure how far or how fast I would walk. I also had a certain spot in the concrete pavement that I had noticed several times and decided I wanted to photograph it so I took my camera along for the walk.

OK, before I get to the “featured shot of the day,” a little side trip….this is the concrete pavement shot that was calling my name.

Now, I’ve seen images from many of the readers of this blog and I know you’ll understand why this spot in the concrete pavement captured my attention every morning when I walked.

However, I’ll have to share my husband’s reaction when I first showed him this photo. His reaction and response went something like this: “That’s concrete! Why did you take a picture of concrete? That’s from Stienspring’s; they have concrete pavement. Concrete pavement disintegrates very easily and that subdivision has some real problems with the pavement. It’s falling apart. Oh….that hole is shaped like a HEART!“

Duh. I wonder why he thought I would shoot just ANY hole in the concrete pavement?

So, back to the “featured shot of the day.”

This image was one of those images that when you first open it up on the monitor, you sigh and say an audible “Oh.”

I immediately thought that it looked like a Christmas ornament. And, wonder of all wonders, when my husband saw it he immediately said, “That’s a neat Christmas ornament. When did you shoot that?”

Then the questions began. What kind of tree is it? Is this the beginning of a pine cone? How come we have never noticed these before? (We’ve walked by that tree for about 10 years or so….hmmmm)

It’s been a slow process, but I think I’ve finally identified the tree as a Bald Cypress. (Albeit a very unofficial identification and a hesitant one as well.)

But, isn’t it cool? And doesn’t it look like a Christmas ornament? In it’s natural state the “fruit” is about the size of quarter, so isn’t it fantastic that photography allows us to see details that we would otherwise miss!

Window Peeping

“Curiosity killed the cat.” Or at least, that’s what I’ve heard!

I couldn’t stand it. I had to pull up and see what this place was all about.

My husband said he couldn’t imagine what I was shooting; my camera was nearly flush to the window. But I knew what potential was there. The light was perfect! My challenge was to isolate some “still life” type images from the dusty, cob-webby STUFF! And lots of STUFF there was.

So….peeping through the window.

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Oh no, does this make me a “Window Peeper?”

PS These are on SmugMug if you would like to view a little larger.

The Old Ford

“I will build a car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one-and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God’s great open spaces.”-Henry Ford

A neighboring county had what was billed as an Antique Tractor Show, but we discovered so much more. Over the next few days, as I process and edit photos, I will share some of the varied “treasures” we discovered on our very, very HOT Saturday afternoon “field trip.”

My husband called this a “Model A” and, said the thought the hood ornament served as an indicator of the engine temperature.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”–Henry Ford

“Don’t find a fault. Find a remedy.” — Henry Ford

“If you think you can or you think you can’t, you will ALWAYS be right.” — Henry Ford

YIKES! What Am I Going To Do???

It’s a sad, sad day for this photographer. My favorite resource for rust abstracts is going on the auction block TODAY! What am I going to do?

The Antique Car Museum featured wonderfully restored cars in a large building filled with auto memorabilia, and an entry fee. But, the OUTSIDE had junkers and beaters; cars rusted and crusted in such a wonderful manner just made for photography. And, no entry fee!

I spent a couple of Sunday mornings there engrossed in the finding abstract colors, textures…..all the good stuff that fascinate folks like you and me.

Evidently I wasn’t the only person who didn’t want to pay the entry fee because the article in yesterday’s paper said the museum simply wasn’t making any money and everything is being auctioned this weekend.

Some of my very “personal favorites” were made there. I’m glad I at least have a few “treasures.” Here are a couple to give you the idea of what I’m talking about…….

My new SmugMug account has been opened and I’ve spent the past two or three days working on setting it up and uploading images. I have a L O N G way to go yet; it’s not a finished product. But, feel free to stop by and visit. I’ll keep you updated on my progress with that site.

Sue Henry Photography

Reflecting on an Exhibition

(A little introduction and side note – Paducah is a sleepy little town in Western KY.  It is two hours to Nashville, three hours to St. Louis, etc.  We get “excited” over local exhibits and opportunities.  And, like so many of the rest of you, I don’t have access to a photography club or group.  Most of my “intellectual photography discussions” are on-line with good folks just like YOU!)

Normally I won’t share with readers of this blog information about “lunch dates;” however, yesterday’s lunch will be an exception.

My good friend Barbara and I purposefully chose our location for lunch because the local restaurant was currently featuring a gallery type exhibition of photos selected from the Paducah Summer Festival Photo Contest.  Fortunately the crowd was slim and we were able to spend time viewing and discussing the photos of some 130 featured artists.

While Barbara is not actively involved in photography she is quite knowledgeable about photography basics, has a wonderful artist eye, and a very inquisitive mind.

It was interesting to discuss with Barbara images that moved us, impressed us, fascinated us, amused us…  However, more often than not, we would raise an eyebrow and wonder what the juror saw in a particular image that we were missing.

If you didn’t click on the earlier hyperlink for the photo contest, please consider doing so now. The wining and second place images are featured.  (Both images can be viewed a little larger by clicking on the image.)  I would be interested in hearing your reactions and comments.

I returned home with a list of techniques to research and learn more about.  I think it’s “a very good thing” to challenge ourselves, stretch, and grow.  Visiting the photo exhibition was a great experience and opportunity.

How do YOU challenge yourself, stretch, and grow?  Do you have local exhibits that you visit for “inspiration?”

The Butterfly

The Butterfly on "Silk"

Sue Henry Photography – 2008 All rights reserved. Please do not use without permission.

“Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine.” ~Jeffrey Glassberg

Heather McCulluh of “One Shot Beyond Photography” posted her Tuesday Texture Challenge on her blog today. I was especially taken with her subtle, nubby silk like texture she offered as a free texture and decided to have a play with it this afternoon.

This particular texture, in my opinion, allows the artist to create an effect that looks like lovely painted silk. I’m just thrilled with this texture and want to send a great big “THANKS” to Heather for allowing photographers to use her custom created textures.

And, I’m trying to decide if I want to use this as a new note card.

Rejoice!

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.”

– Eleanora Duse

Music Washes Away….

Sue Henry Photography – 2008.  All rights reserved.  Please do not use without permission.

I have been a little under the weather the past few days and have not been out to shoot.  That has left me with digging into the archives; creating something new from something “old.”

Texture credit – flickr user “Ghostbones”

The Azalea

Earlier this spring I spent quite a bit of time shooting the azaleas. I don’t know if you have ever tried to photograph azaleas but I’ve decided they can be tricky little guys. It seems that you either have to show a huge mass of blossoms or go for a macro shot of individual blossoms.

Long story short, I shot and shot and shot and shot. I shot the azaleas early in the morning and at early evening. I shot azaleas from every angle I could possibly imagine. I shot using a variety of DOFs.

For some reason I simply didn’t seem to get what I envisioned. Sigh.

I am learning how important “vision” is in photography. To me, vision is what moves a snap shot into an artful image. And, lots of people take very nice snap shots.

Back to the azalea.

I woke up in the middle of the night and I’m not sure what caused me to re-visit the azaleas, but I did.

After adding texture to one of my favorite of the azalea shots, I thought “This is more like what I envisioned.”

I’ll share my re-worked azalea.

Sue Henry Photography 2008 All rights reserved.  Image may not be used without permission.

texture credit: http://flickr.com/photos/ghostbones

In the middle of the night I liked it. I’ll see what I think after a little sleep.

Gallery Shelves

In an earlier post I hinted that I had a goal of installing gallery shelves to display some of my images. Yesterday I decided to take ACTION! Why wait any longer, I asked myself!

With my 40% coupon in hand, I went to Michael’s and purchased two 4′ gallery shelves. The package said they were “self leveling.” Today we will remove an old faded “store bought” print; hang the new shelves; and display some of my work. Hopefully all will go smoothly!

Just a week or so ago I received a large order of prints from the lab. They WERE going to BeBe’s Gallery to be sold, but I think think I’ll hang on to them!

And, just a week or so ago I purchased quite a few simple back gallery frames from Hobby Lobby during a half price sale. So, I’m good to go with this project!

I’m going to group a series of five black and white images, all nature prints. Let me share a couple of the images with you.

The series was shot during a hike in an extremely dense wooded area. So dense that it was challenging to see anything except the next couple of steps on the path…..and the wonderful trees and leaves.

Sue Henry Photography 2008 All Rights Reserved.  Image may not be used without permission.

The detail in this image just “pops” in the print. I am so pleased. A good friend of mine described this image as “mysterious.”

My nature grouping on the shelves will also include several leaf prints. Here is one as an example.

Sue Henry Photography 2008 All Rights Reserved.  Image may not be used without permission.

I was pleased with how the image allowed the viewer to see the prominent veins of the leaf and almost “feel” the texture of the leaf.

Now you know what I’ll be doing today.