Inspiration And Assignments: Look Closely And You Will See

This photo was taken just two days ago. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and  you folks will probably figure this one out pretty quickly. In this day and age of modern technology what you are seeing can be a pretty common occurrence if the weather and light all gel together. In fact, I would bet you have all seen something like this in your travels.

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IN THE FIELD: WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Last fall I planted a bunch of spring bulbs along the walkway that leads from our driveway to the front door. The original plan was for 100 or so bulbs to be planted among the cherry laurels and holly bushes growing in the garden beds.

As luck would have it, the company we were going to order the bulbs from was having a buy one-get-one sale on several varieties and colors. And believe it or not, the varieties we wanted were on sale!

Oh darn.

And then, I was in the local hardware store and I just happened to see these purple tulips on sale. Had to get them…two packages.

It turns out I planted over 220 spring bulbs to add a bit of color figuring that would make a pretty good statement.

The plantings included grape hyacinths, daffodils and multiple types and colors of tulips.

This grouping nearest the driveway started to open this past weekend.

In The Field: Winter Light

Subtle

Not So Subtle

Sunsets in the winter season are so varied. The first photo was taken this time last year and the second one was taken last week. Both photos were taken from the same spot looking in the same direction.

This season has been exceptional as far as intensely bright sunsets go. Some I have photographed and others I have just gazed in awe. It’s good to do that on occasion.

IN THE FIELD: Candy Color

Recently I was asked why I photograph the places or things I do. I photograph subjects that grab my attention, evoke an emotional response and/or inspire my imagination.

This photo is a classic example of all three. It features a cup full of colorants from a custom color paint mixing machine, after the nozzles have been purged for color purity.

First the vibrant color caught my eye. I liked the random patterns that were formed by the various colors.

Second, looking into the cup and seeing all that color reminded me of when we were kids visiting the boardwalk down at the beach. We used to pop into an arcade where we would squirt different colors of paint onto a card and a machine would spin the card and create wild designs. Cool stuff for a 10 year old.

And don’t ask me why, but I thought this looked like a delicious piece of exotic candy.

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IN THE FIELD: Sunset Snow

Yesterday evening I was closing the curtains for the night to help keep the warmth inside. And to cover the big black holes that form at every window opening when it’s dark outside.

As I looked out one of the windows on the western side of the house, I caught a glimpse of yet another vibrant sunset. The sky was brightly colored with yellow, orange, pink, lavender, and purple. As a bonus, the snow in our side yard was glistening from the light of the setting sun. I grabbed my camera and was able to take a few photos before the color began to fade.

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IN THE FIELD: Bear Fever

There is a small town near our home where I can be found snooping around in search of new and interesting subjects to learn about and to photograph.

It is filled with architecture from the early part of the century and some buildings even date back further. Most of the older homes have stained glass windows and intricate scroll work on the window frames. In addition to all the interesting building designs is another charming characteristic of this town. It’s the town mascot. The Bears.

I have managed to photograph a handful of the bears that are situated throughout town, but I have a long way to go. Reportedly there are 61 bears of various themes waiting for me to discover. Good thing I have a map!

 

IN THE FIELD: Autumn And Winter Atmospheres

During the autumn and winter seasons, conditions are often favorable for brilliant and colorful sunrises and sunsets.

Ever wonder why the sunrises and sunsets are often very vibrant during the autumn and winter months? Well, it’s partly due to the light from the sun at sunrise and sunset must pass through more of the earth’s atmosphere before it reaches our eyes. That’s mostly due to the angle or tilt of the earth in relation to the sun. Because of this, the light comes in contact with more molecules in the air. Much of the blue light gets scattered or diffused away leaving behind the pinks, reds, oranges and yellows which become more pronounced. Another factor is the clear dry air that is present this time of year compared to the more humid air of spring and summer.

For sunset photos, be sure to stick around for 15 -20 minutes or so after the sun dips below the horizon. That’s when the color can really be intense. For sunrises, get in position about a 1/2 hour before the sun peeks over the horizon and you may just have some of the most beautiful color of the day.

If you would like to reward yourself with some fantastic images that are taken in the cooler seasons, grab some gloves, boots, a warm coat and hat, pick up your camera and tripod and go out and feast your eyes. Just remember…there is no such thing as bad weather…it’s bad clothing.

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IN THE FIELD: Hardware Store Deja Vu

Hardware stores and weekends just seem to go together. Guess where I was a few days ago…again. I can’t seem to stay away from these places.

I pulled into the parking lot and lo and behold was another restored vehicle. This one was a 1955 Chevrolet Pickup truck.

As I was admiring the truck the owner walked out of the store. We chatted about the vehicle for a few minutes before I asked him if I could get a few shots.

I could build up quite a portfolio of restored classic cars and trucks just by hanging out at the hardware store.

 

IN THE FIELD: A Little Splash Of Red

IN THE FIELD: Not Your Ordinary…

Last Thursday I was out shopping in one of the local stores in the area and discovered these brightly colored objects. I have never seen these ordinary, utilitarian, useful, and handy items in such vibrant colors. They brought a smile to my face and I had to get a photo. This shot was taken with my iPhone.