LOOK UP!! Cloud Portraits

LOOK UP!!!!! But, NOT at the sun.

Take a look at the clouds, the patterns or designs they make..... particularly before and after a storm or if a storm happens to be in your area, close enough to see the outer edges of the storm, you are at a good vantage points to see nature at one of it's finest moments and to see the incredible handiwork in the clouds.

When I was a child, before I had responsibilities or just got busy with stuff, I used to watch the clouds roll by. I'd look for patterns or objects that looked like something.... such as Snoopy or a frog or a tree. I've always had quite a creative imagination. But, the simplicity of those moments have added to a more whole person as an adult.

I have always loved storms. I used to live in a house where the bedroom was on the 3rd floor and faced west. The storms came in from the west which gave a lot of opportunity for storm watching! Now, I don't have that view but still have the opportunity as it still storms!

I LOOK UP!! before the storms, and if it's safe (no lightning, etc.), I'll look up during the storm, otherwise I'll wait until it ends.

The beauty of clouds are shown in these two images. The storms were just east of my house. I was heading to class when I saw the clouds- at first it looked like smoke from a fire.

Take the time, LOOK UP!!!!! but NOT at the sun. See the clouds???

"Honorable Mention"

The hardest thing for me to do is acknowlegde achievements or awards. However, I can't let this pass without writing about it.

I entered a print of the image "Grape Hyacinth" in the Vienna Arts Society's Annual Judged Photography Show. The judge was Corey Hilz. I was surprised to learn that I received an Honorable Mention for my entry. The funny part is I didn't "try" to create this image, I was just playing with my new macro lens and my wife selected the image for entry as one she liked best.

Anyway, got Honorable Mention!

Frogs

I carry my camera with me nearly everyday even when I am going to work at my full time job. Sometimes, for example, during my lunch I will take a walk through a local park just to get away from the office and get some fresh air. The walk does me wonders.

By carrying my camera with me, sometimes I will be fortunate enough to capture something interesting like in these frog images. The beauty if the frog really shows through in these two images. Since I was concerned the frog was going to jump into the pond at any second, I decided to use the auto setting on my camera while using my 50-200mm lens. The frog didn't appear to be the least bit concerned about my photographing him. I was able to get several images of this frog (he was huge) as I walked the path by the pond.

The other side of carrying my camera everyday is the simple therapy it gives me while I am taking a break from my full time job. Many times I take the camera, go for a walk and don't see anything to photograph while other times I will see something but it may not be worth posting or using. The creative break from the office is the advantage point in this.

"First Friday Night Leesburg" - Loudoun Arts Council

I have the opportunity to participate with Loudoun Arts Council's "First Friday Night Leesburg," July 2, 7 - 9 p.m. at 5 Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg, VA. For more info., go to www.loudounarts.org.

The evening will feature my art work, "Creation Sings!!", hung in the Loudoun Arts Council's Salon, a Wine Tasting and Music. You can walk through Leesburg and visit other artists, shops and have dinner at one of the fine restuarants.

This image is one which will be part of my exhibit. I call it "After the Rain" because a bad storm passed through after I planted it and I went to see if it survived. It did so I took the picture. This image is one of the few I offer printed on canvas and wrapped around sketchers so it goes around the edge of the wood.

Hope to see you at the event!!!

American Robin

One of my favorite birds is the American Robin. Often, the American Robin is considered to be the "Bringer of Spring". Around here, it's a common bird throughout the year. This winter though, I wondered what the Robin was doing. We had so much snow and freezing weather that I did see it much. Although other birds, particularly in storms, lined up in trees awaiting their turn at the feeders, I did see the Robin.

This year, when I did see it, it was like the "Bringer of Spring". I figured Spring wasn't too far behind or at least, the bird is back.

And, I am particularly excited about the Robin this year. After pruning back a tree last year which normally hosts Robins nests, I did not see one last year. It was sad. I was disappointed. But, the tree had to be trimmed and such is the life of a tree in the front yard of my house (backyard is a wildlife garden so I less likely to prune unless urgent).

On Friday, after having the life scared out of me, I discovered the Robins have moved back into the tree. Get to close to their nest, even accidently as I'd done, they let out a loud chirp which will scare you. I noticed the nest was built and might have some eggs. I'm happy to have the Robins back as numerous others in my backyard.

When photographing birds, be sure to read and understand the law(s) regarding birds. Some are protected and you could get in trouble for causing the bird stress or trouble. Use a zoom lens, telephoto or whatever you can to get the close-up shot without causing the bird stress. In this photo, I was extremely fortunate to have the Robin build a nest where I could see it from my front porch. So, keep your eyes open for those golden rare opportunities where the bird may "present" itself in the perfect setting to photograph it!

Downy Woodpecker

Yesterday, was an odd day weather-wise. The winds were gusting up to 50 mph for most of the day. I don't remember ever having winds like that in the spring.

Sad thing is, the old dead part of the Weeping Willow in my backyard came crashing down. Nobody was hurt nor was there any damage except the lose of the tree.

It's sad to loose the tree because my backyard is now quiet. For several weeks, woodpeckers have nibbled on the insects on this tree. Most days, I would hear the tap-tap-tap on the wood. And, then, I'd see them on the suet feeder nibbling for a bit.

This image is of a Downy Woodpecker. I believe he was born in my yard a few summers ago as I inverted got really close to him without him taking flight. As a common practice, I had my camera on me, so I slowly turned around and got this picture. It pays to carry your camera- even if it is a small point and shoot.

Spring and Fog

This morning's rain reminds me of a short walk I took the other day on my way to work. I was early, and there's a park that I like to walk through with my camera even when I have only a few minutes. It's a small park and not crowded early in the day. Later, it becomes a sports playground with fields for the local children which is great as they need a place to play. There's a dog park, too, off to the right which adds to the usefulness and fun of the park.

What's funny is when I am walking in the early mornings, I see all sorts of wildlife from birds to foxes to groundhogs to chickmunks and a gopher. I've managed to photograph some of these over the years that I have stopped at this park, but haven't gotten a really good image of wildlife yet.

Anyway, it was rainy and foggy the morning I stopped at this park. Seems the birds know before I get there that I am coming this time with my camera and hide. As I was returning to my car, I noticed the beauty of this image, the trees and fog caught my attention.

The purpose of my art is to find the beauty in nature, the unique beauty, something we miss as we go through our lives. This image is perfect. Simple, unique beauty.

Spring and Tulips

My neighbor has the most beautiful tulips in her yard each spring. After asking permission, I've spent quite a bit of time practicing my macro photography skills. This tulip was photographed in her yard.