Some Pretty Photos to Soothe the Soul

Hi Everyone, how are you doing??? 

Today, I thought I would share some photos that I shot yesterday with a new lens. These are my first attempts using this lens, and there will definitely be a learning curve. This orchid was a gift from my cousin Linda and her little guy when they visited earlier this month.

As you know, I love shooting photos of flowers and insects, and I have always liked the soft focus images of among others, Kathleen Clemons and Anne Belmont. One is able to create dreamy images a number of ways: using certain filters, placing diffusers over the lens, even something simple such as fogging a filtered protected lens with one's breath. All these techniques work, but I was looking for more. I watched two presentations in the past few months: one by Kathleen Clemons offered by Hunts Photo and Video and one by Anne Belmont which is available on the B&H Photo site. Both are users of Lensbaby lenses. Visit their websites to see stunningly beautiful images. Both also have various short videos on Youtube.

I ordered the Lensbaby Velvet 85 several months ago, but since it had been backordered, it did not arrive until a few days ago. Yesterday, it was finally warm enough to spend an hour on my sunporch and try out my new purchase. The light kept changing, and as I said these are only my first attempts. (There were  many unsuccessful shots.) It is a manual lens which presents some challenges, but it will give me something to work on in the days ahead. The images that I have posted here just hint at the potential of this lens. Hopefully, I may know what  I am doing by springtime. :-) 

One of the things that I did recall from the Anne Belmont presentation was her encouragement to shoot all parts of each subject, and so, taking this suggestion to heart I photographed the back of this blossom. It's one of my favorite images.

 

 

 Because it is an 85mm lens, it is also perfect for shooting portraits. Fortunately, my favorite subject was on hand. 

This marks the end of my happy, upbeat post. As always, please feel free to skip the material below the broken line.

Be safe. Have hope.

                        —————          —————          —————          —————

The truth is I am terrified of what may occur in the days ahead.

 

This afternoon just one week after the insurrection the House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump for the second time. He will go down in infamy as the only President to be impeached twice. 

Photos today show armed National Guard members in combat gear sleeping on the floors in the corridors of Congress. This type of military protection has not happened since the days of the Civil War. 20,000 armed National Guard members will be on duty in the days leading up to the inauguration of Joe Biden.

The FBI has warned of possible attacks on all fifty statehouses in the days ahead. 

If you have not yet seen it, I urge you watch the  video by former Governor Arnold Schwarenegger .

It is a powerful message to the citizens of the United States and to the citizens of the world. Please watch it.

Pray for the safety of our President-elect, our Vice President-elect, our members of Congress, for our country and our democracy.

I wish you peace.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!!

Hi Everyone! I hope that you are all dry and doing well after these endless days of rain. On the bright side, no one will have to water his or her garden for a while!

I have never met a hibiscus that I didn't enjoy photographing. They are a nearly perfect plant for a sunny porch or deck. The blossoms which only last a day just keep coming and coming all summer and into the fall.

 

These photos were taken early last week. On Friday, I attended a webinar from Hunt's Photo Education with Kathleen Clemons. The subject of the webinar was "The Painterly Photograph." In the two hour online program she showed how to create painterly flower photographs and more. She offered tips, ideas, and techniques. I just watched the entire webinar again so that I could pause it and take notes. Click on her name to see some of her truly gorgeous photos.

I believe that in July or some time later this summer Hunts will have her present a webinar on iPhone photography. Sign me up!!! To check out upcoming online classes, go to Hunt's Photo Education. They are offering a wonderful group of online classes, and the price is very reasonable. Let me just say that Kathleen Clemons was an outstanding presenter.

 The fungus among us . . .  was growing along the walkway in my front yard. The lighting was not great, and it has been raining for the past few days. In spite of that, I like this image.

Last week I trimmed some low hanging branches from the huge oak in my front yard. Look at these acorn clusters. They were all over the branches that I trimmed. You know what that means!!! Enjoy the summer because all of these baby acorns suggest that we will be in for quite a winter.
 

Let me leave you with this old verse . . . 

Always remember and never forget

the  mighty oak was once a nut like you.   

Stay safe. Stay strong. Have hope.