This past Saturday, Abby came over to hang out with me for a while. Of course, I took my camera outside to get some pictures. I keep deluding myself in thinking that she'll hold still, look at me and smile. But that's ok. She's a active, curious 2 year old and this shot captures that perfectly.
0 Comments
“Unrealistic? I think not, that bee was about to murder me.” ― Devyn Dawson, The Light Tamer
This bee, now deceased, stung Kamal this afternoon. We've seen a few bees in our apartment over the past week or so. Not sure why, and haven't really minded them, until now. If they're going to start stinging people then they better fly back outside. We don't know what kind of bee this one is. It's pretty with the iridescent blues and greens. And if it had not decided to sting Kamal, it would still be alive. Living on an island there are no shortage of beaches or boats. I like this shot because of the contrast between the stark white of the boat against all the shades of blues in the water and sky. It looks like you could just jump in and cast off into forever.
Today's photo is a guest shot by Kamal and edited by me. Thanks Kamal!
One Saturday morning, Kamal and I decided to go check out "Da Farmer's Market" at the Rand Nature Centre. As usual, I brought my camera, but it was Kamal who was struck by the creativity bug that morning. While I was talking to some friends at the market, he looked up and thought the different leaves would make a cool shot. So, I handed him my camera and here is his composition. Now, our eyes pick up details and dimension that the camera does not, so I'm all for tweaking in the post processing. By making the changes that I did, this was originally shot in color, I think I caught a bit more of the essence Kamal was going for. The contrast of the Bottle Brush leaves in the foreground with the softer pattern of the Australian pine in the background, all against a cloudy sky. But just as the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", so are the changes made in the editing process. That's one of the reasons I love fine art, it's so subjective. Each piece is a personal expression limited only by the artist's interpretation. Today is my youngest son's birthday. When he sees this picture, he'll probably wish I'd picked one less goofy. But I think this one is funny, even though it's a few years old. Happy Birthday Owen!
This abstract sculpture is located in front of the Currier Gallery of Art in Manchester, NH.
I go there every time I'm in NH. It's not a huge gallery but I always enjoy touring the wings to see their new exhibits as well as their permanent pieces from Colonial American periods through Medieval European times. Touring museums and art galleries is one of my favorite things to do. I hope one day to have a gallery show of my own. Everyone is anxiously awaiting for the gate to open so they can get out on the exercise field. It's kind of funny to watch, the whole group goes straight to the fenced in area. They generally don't wander. The same thing happens, in reverse, when it's time to come back in the courtyard.
Abby, like a lot of children, isn't easy to take pictures of. At least not the kind where they sit still and smile at the camera. If I wait long enough and am quick enough, I usually get at least one smile while she's looking in my direction.
Personally, I think she likes making it hard. That's ok too, it gives me the chance to catch her doing things like this... playing a rousing game of peek-a-boo. Taino Beach is located in Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island. It's where everyone hangs out on Sunday afternoons and holidays.
It's a nice long stretch of beach where you can walk along the shore and stop at one of the conch (pronounced konk) stands to enjoy a fresh made conch salad and a cool drink. Many events are held here also. Goombay Festival, for example, is held once a week during the summer time. It's like a street fair where lots of people come out to see their friends, listen to music and buy some of their favorite local foods. “What we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all our tomorrows.”
― Alexandra Stoddard Alexandra Stoddard is one of my favorite authors, mainly because she has taken her creativity and extended it to all areas of her life. She began her career as an interior designer and went on to write several books on design and lifestyle. I enjoy the way she encourages living creatively and beautifully without having to be wealthy. That we can choose to experience things that bring happiness and comfort into our lives... writing with a favorite color ink, lunch with friends, shopping for antiques in Paris. (smile) To me, that's the essence of living an awesome life. Even though I only "know" Alexandra Stoddard through her books, I consider her a mentor. She reminds me of how I'd like to live with creativity and beauty. So what I do today, right now, is practice my craft. Who inspires you? |